Independent Social Worker (Self-Employed)

Help to ensure that children’s voices are heard where it matters most.

When families are in dispute and the court needs an independent view, focused solely on a child’s welfare, NYAS may be appointed to act as Guardian.

We are seeking to recruit experienced, self‑employed Independent Social Workers, to join our Rule 16.4 Service, working within the NYAS Tandem Model, alongside a solicitor.

This is a vital role, for skilled practitioners, who want to make a real difference to children and young people involved in private law proceedings.

About the role

When appointed by the Court under Rule 16.4 of the Family Procedure Rules 2010, NYAS acts as Guardian for a child or young person, when parents are unable to agree arrangements and the child requires an independent voice.

As an Independent Social Worker, you will:

• Work directly with children and young people to understand and promote their lived experiences, wishes and feelings
• Ensure every child’s voice is heard clearly, thoughtfully and safely within proceedings
• Undertake assessments and prepare high‑quality reports for the Court
• Provide clear, well‑reasoned and robust recommendations, supported by current legislation and research, where the child’s welfare is always the paramount consideration
• Analyse risk and safeguarding concerns to support children’s safety and wellbeing
• Liaise with third parties and professionals from across the system to inform your assessment
• Confidently present your professional opinion, including providing oral evidence to the court

You will be supported to deliver consistently high‑quality practice, while maintaining your professional independence.

About you

The views of the Independent Social Worker are distinct from those of the parents or local authority.  You will be a highly experienced social work professional, who brings confident analysis, emotional intelligence and a child‑centred approach to complex situations.

You must:

• Be a qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England/Social Care Wales
• Have a minimum of 5 years’ experience working within children’s social care
• Have at least 1 years’ experience of working as an Independent Social Worker
• Experience of court work
• Experience of private family law proceedings is highly desirable
• Demonstrate strong assessment, analytical and report‑writing skills (you will be asked to provide redacted exemplars of such}
• Be organised and able to manage caseloads to meet court deadlines
• Be confident, resilient and able to hold professional views under challenge
• Build trusting and respectful relationships with children, parents and professionals
• Remain compassionate, curious and committed to best outcomes for children

Support and professional development

Although this is a self‑employed role, you will not be working in isolation. NYAS is committed to maintaining excellent social work practice and supporting independent social work practitioners that work within its unique Tandem Model.

You will benefit from:

• Access to best practice reviews with the NYAS Social Work Practice Manager
• Monthly best practice meetings with fellow NYAS caseworkers (via Microsoft Teams currently but it is hoped to deliver these regionally and in person in the future)
• Access to a training platform (at minimal cost) to ensure mandatory training and support CPD requirements
• A professional network within a respected, rights‑based national charity

You will be expected to evidence current/ongoing registration via Social Work England/Social Care Wales.

Contractual information

• This is a self‑employed role and NYAS cannot guarantee regular ongoing work within your area
• You will need access to your own IT equipment
• You will be responsible for your own tax and financial arrangements with HMRC

Safeguarding and equality

NYAS operates robust safeguarding procedures to protect the children, young people and adults we work with. The successful applicant will be subject to:

• Enhanced DBS checks
• References
• A Digital Risk Assessment

NYAS is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. We actively welcome applications from all backgrounds.

We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

About NYAS

NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is a leading rights‑based charity operating across England and Wales. We work with children, young people and adults—particularly those who are care‑experienced or reliant on statutory services—to ensure they are listened to, represented and supported.

Our unique combination of legal and social care expertise allows us to champion rights, influence decisions and create meaningful change in people’s lives.

Work with us to help change young lives.

Please ensure your application clearly references the person specification within the Contract Delivery Specification and demonstrates how you meet the required criteria.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.