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. It will include a Cover Note,
Job Description & Person Specification, Application Form which
includes an Equal Opportunities Form, information on Cafcass and a
map of Cafcass Regions.
- 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.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