Court Progression Officer - Expert Court Assessment Service (ECAS) (Full Time)

About this job

ECAS Court Progression Officer

Children’s Care & Support – Family Support & Safeguarding

Be part of something new. Shape better futures for children.

We are recruiting to an exciting opportunity within our new Expert Court Assessment Service (ECAS) — a specialist, innovative service designed to transform how we support children and families through pre-proceedings and care proceedings.

This is an opportunity to join at the early stages of a new and ambitious service, working at the heart of practice, performance and court improvement. You will play a key role in shaping the success of ECAS and influencing how we deliver high-quality, timely and child-focused legal work.

About the Role

As the ECAS Court Progression Officer, you will operate as a senior specialist practitioner, working closely with the Court Progression Manager, social work teams, Legal Services and the Family Court.

You will:

• Drive timely and high-quality court progression, ensuring practice is court-ready and compliant
• Provide oversight and quality assurance of cases in pre-proceedings and care proceedings
• Identify and challenge delay, drift and where practice can be improved.
• Support the development of robust legal planning and evidence-based decision making
• Act as a key link between social care, legal services and the wider Family Justice system

This role is critical in improving outcomes for children by ensuring their cases progress effectively and that their voice is clearly evidenced in legal processes

Special requirements for this post

We welcome applications from qualified and experienced candidates. You will need to have a Social Work. You will need to hold a current SW England registration.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and a comprehensive screening process will be undertaken on successful applicants including an Enhanced Children’s Department of Barring Services check.

About you

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking an experienced and motivated social work practitioner who:

• Has significant experience in court and pre-proceedings work
• Brings strong knowledge of Children Act legislation, PLO and care proceedings
• Is confident in quality assuring court reports and influencing practice standards
• Can analyse performance, identify themes and drive improvement
• Is comfortable working in high-pressure environments and providing professional challenge

You must hold a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England

About us

Why Join ECAS Now?

This role offers a genuine opportunity to be part of a brand-new service at the forefront of practice innovation. You’ll help shape systems, processes and standards from the ground up.

You’ll develop your expertise in court work, quality assurance and performance improvement. You won’t just be joining a team, you’ll be helping to build it, influence it and lead improvement across the system.

Our Offer to You

• A unique opportunity to join an innovative and growing service
• A role with real influence across systems and partner agencies
• Opportunities for professional development and progression
• A supportive environment focused on learning, improvement and impact for children.

If you like the sound of moving to an authority where social workers are truly valued, get in touch with us today for a confidential discussion about this post by emailing socialcarerecruitment@lbbd.gov.uk