Locum Family Court Adviser – Qualified Social Worker

About the role

We are seeking a qualified social worker to join CAFCASS as a Locum Family Court Adviser. Based in Liverpool, you will support the Work After First Hearing, Public and Private Law teams across Cheshire and Merseyside, providing expert advice to the family courts on children’s safety and best interests.

Key responsibilities

• Assess and analyse court applications for child protection and serious welfare issues.
• Provide advanced social‑work level services to children, families and courts.
• Negotiate persuasively with family members and professionals on behalf of children.
• Keep the child’s journey and timescales central to all decisions.
• Advocate for the child’s voice to be heard throughout court proceedings.

Required profile

• Minimum 3 years experience in a children’s social‑work setting.
• Registered with Social Work England.
• Ability to manage full and complex caseloads.
• Child‑focused with relationship‑based and systemic practice.
• Strong knowledge of risks and issues affecting children and families.

Required skills

• Good IT skills.

What we offer

• Fixed‑term contract until March 2027.
• Three‑week office‑based induction followed by hybrid working (2 days onsite).
• Flexible start/finish times.
• 28 days holiday (33 after 5+ years of service) plus 4 extra well‑being days.
• Paperless organisation with excellent IT systems.