Family Court Adviser

Liquid Personnel is recruiting for experienced Family Court Advisers to join a service based in Chelmsford, Essex. This is a temporary assignment offering a hybrid working arrangement, combining home working, office attendance, and direct visits with children and families across Essex.

About the Role.

As a Family Court Adviser, you will provide advanced social work support to children, families, and the courts within family proceedings. You will ensure that the child's welfare, safety, and best interests remain central to all decision-making processes.

The role involves assessing risk, analysing complex family situations, advising courts on child protection and welfare matters, and undertaking direct work with children and families. You will prepare professional reports and recommendations that support informed court decisions and positive outcomes for children.

This position will involve working across a range of family court work, including:

• Work After First Hearing (WAFH) involving detailed assessments, direct work with children and families, report writing, and ongoing recommendations to the court.
• Public Law cases where local authorities have intervened due to safeguarding concerns or risk of significant harm to a child, acting as a Children's Guardian throughout care proceedings.
• Private Law cases involving disputes between parents or carers regarding child arrangements, where you will assess welfare concerns and provide safeguarding advice focused on the child's needs.

Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive assessments of children and families involved in court proceedings.
• Provide independent analysis and recommendations to the court.
• Represent the child's wishes, feelings, and best interests throughout proceedings.
• Complete reports, risk assessments, and case records to a high professional standard.
• Work directly with children and families to understand and evaluate their circumstances.
• Analyse complex safeguarding concerns and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Liaise effectively with courts, legal representatives, local authorities, and partner agencies.
• Manage a caseload of sensitive and potentially high-conflict cases.
• Ensure all work complies with statutory requirements, safeguarding legislation, and professional standards.
• Qualification and Experience Requirements
• Recognised Social Work qualification.
• Minimum of 3 years post-qualifying experience working with children and families.
• Strong knowledge of child protection, safeguarding, and family court processes.
• Excellent assessment and analytical skills.
• Strong report writing and communication abilities.
• Effective negotiation and case management skills.
• Good IT and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage complex, sensitive situations professionally.