Recruitment - frequently asked questions
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions
about Cafcass' recruitment and selection process:
What are the different stages of the recruitment
process?
The typical recruitment process Cafcass adopts
is broken down into several stages.
- Initial Advertisement
The initial advertisement will outline information about the
position available, salary scale and the skills and experience
required for the role. It will give details about obtaining an
application pack, and will also show the closing date for
applications and the interview date. The advertisement will be
published at least 10 working days before the closing date for the
position.
- Application Packs
If you are interested in any of the roles listed under the
"Vacancies" section, you can obtain an application pack by
downloading all application pack documents next to the position you
are interested in. The pack will provide you all the information
that will assist in your application.
- Short-listing
Applications will normally be short-listed the week following the
closing date. If you are invited for an interview as much notice as
possible will be provided, and the interview date will be outlined
in the initial advertisement.
- Interviews
Interviews will consist of a panel interview and various exercises,
depending on the nature of the position. The structure and format
of the interview will be outlined to you in your invitation letter,
to give you time for you to prepare.
Where does Cafcass advertise job
vacancies?
Based on the nature of the
role, Cafcass normally advertises vacancies in specialist social
care publications, the local and regional press and on occasion in
the national press.
What is the difference between public
law and private law?
The work of Cafcass
can be broken down into public law and private law. Public law
cases concern situations where the state, acting through local
authority social services, is taking steps to intervene in family
life. These include applications for care orders, supervision
orders and emergency protection orders.
Proceedings where
individuals bring cases in their own name are known as private law
cases. Contact and residence cases, applications for specific
issues orders, prohibited steps orders, parental responsibility and
adoption are examples of private law cases.
What
qualifications does Cafcass require?
The qualifications required depend on the
position you are applying for. The minimum qualifications and
experience required are outlined in the person specification for
each vacancy.
For practitioner positions, you are required to
have a Dip SW/CQSW and three years’ post-qualifying experience in
social work practice with children and families.
How can I request an application
pack?
You can either request an
application pack for a particular position by:
- Downloading the application pack from
this website
- Requesting an application pack by
emailing recruitment@cafcass.gsi.gov.uk
with the appropriate job reference number in the advert
- Telephoning the contact number in the
advert, quoting the appropriate job reference number
- Writing to the address stated in the
advert quoting the reference number for the job you are interested
in
After receiving the
application pack, you will need to complete and send this back
to Cafcass to the address stated in the advert, before the
position's closing date.
When can I apply?
Once a vacancy has been
advertised, Cafcass will accept applications for the position until
the closing date. Applications will be accepted via post, e-mail or
fax. Please note that with fax applications, Cafcass will accept
the fax copy if received before the deadline.
What can I expect if I attend an
interview?
For all practitioner and
private/public law manager roles interviews consist of a case study
and a panel interview.
For business support roles
interviews consist of a panel interview and a selection of computer
tests.
What employment checks will be carried before
I can gain employment with Cafcass?
All job offers are
dependent on the receipt of two satisfactory references. Positions
will only be offered once these references are received.
All employment contracts
are subject to the provision of evidence by you of your eligibility
to work within the United Kingdom under the terms of the Asylum and
Immigration Act of 1996. This offer is also subject to health
clearance, plus standard employment checks for the position where
applicable, such as qualifications and disclosure checks