Gabriela Jones

Qualified social worker with BA Hons in Social Work Studies (2009) and extensive experience in child protection, family assessment, and court proceedings across multiple local authorities and CAFCASS. Member of the Health and Care Professions Council with specialist training in CSE, trafficking, and family justice reforms.

Children's Guardian/Family Court Advisor - CAFCASS - Manchester

(2019-03)

In March 2019 commenced a Family Court Advisor role at CAFCASS, Manchester. This was a continuation of the role at Sheffield however the location was closer to where I reside. In addition to the role as outlined below completed extra training on the Cafcass Positive Parenting Programme which was successfully delivered with a family, improving the outcomes for the children and family involved.

Have been involved in various 16.4 cases working alongside solicitors to advocate for the children, advising the courts on the best course of action for the child; providing an analysis and recommendations to the court.

• Completed extra training on the Cafcass Positive Parenting Programme and successfully delivered with a family
• Involved in various 16.4 cases working alongside solicitors to advocate for children
• Advised courts on best course of action for children with analysis and recommendations
• Completed section 7 reports and case analysis
• Regular direct work with children using tools appropriate to their age and understanding to gain their wishes and feelings
• Flexible in moving teams to adapt to organisational demands

Children's Guardian/Family Court Advisor - CAFCASS - Sheffield

(2018-08 - 2019-02)

In August 2018 commenced a Family Court Advisor role at CAFCASS, Sheffield. Worked directly with children and families to advise the courts on the best course of action for the child; providing an analysis and recommendations to the court. This included public proceedings and private proceedings.

Completed all of the CAFCASS introductory training sessions (completed whilst at Blackburn). Recently attended further training in respect of the use of direct work with children and expanded the tools in which used which have proved effective.

• Worked directly with children and families to advise courts on best course of action
• Handled public proceedings and private proceedings
• Completed section 7 reports, case analysis and step parent adoption reports
• Regular direct work with children using age and understanding appropriate tools
• Completed all CAFCASS introductory training sessions
• Attended further training in direct work with children

Social Worker - Oldham Council - Oldham

(2018-07 - 2018-08)

In July 2018 returned to Oldham's duty and assessment team for a brief period. Held cases from the point of referral, attending strategy meetings, undertaking section 47 enquiries and completing Child and Family Assessments.

• Held cases from point of referral
• Attended strategy meetings
• Undertook section 47 enquiries
• Completed Child and Family Assessments

Children's Guardian/Family Court Advisor - CAFCASS - Blackburn

(2017-07 - 2018-07)

• Worked directly with children and families to advise courts
• Handled public proceedings and private proceedings
• Completed section 7 reports, case analysis and step parent adoption reports
• Regular direct work with children using appropriate tools

Social Worker - Oldham Council - Oldham

(2016-10 - 2017-07)

In October 2016 commenced a Social Work role on Oldham's Children's Assessment Team. Assessed families from the point of referral; holding strategy meetings and undertaking section 47 enquiries. The cases have included Child In Need and Child Protection, working within a multiagency team; undertaking direct work with children and families.

Some of the issues presented have included Trafficking, Human Rights assessments of families with No Recourse to Public Funds and accommodation of children under Police Protection Powers.

• Assessed families from point of referral
• Held strategy meetings
• Undertook section 47 enquiries
• Handled Child In Need and Child Protection cases
• Worked within multiagency teams
• Undertook direct work with children and families
• Handled cases involving Trafficking
• Completed Human Rights assessments of families with No Recourse to Public Funds
• Accommodated children under Police Protection Powers

Social Worker - Trafford Council - Trafford

(2013-02 - 2016-09)

• Held Child In Need, Child Protection, and Looked After Children cases
• Worked within court proceedings and Public Law Outline
• Undertaken section 47 enquiries
• Worked within multiagency teams including Health Visitors and School Nurses
• Sexual Exploitation and Missing champion for North Trafford
• Represented North Area Team in attending strategy meetings for case transfers

Casual Foster Carer Assessor - Trafford Council - Trafford

(2014 - 2016-09)

Commenced a role as a Casual Foster Carer Assessor in 2014 alongside the Social Worker role. Assessed potential foster carers using the Skills to Foster assessment format and presented the case at panel.

• Assessed potential foster carers using Skills to Foster assessment format
• Presented cases at panel

Social Worker - Manchester City Council - Manchester

(2009-12 - 2013-02)

• Undertook section 47 enquiries, initial assessments and core assessments
• Worked to child protection procedures, child in need procedures and looked after children procedures
• Undertook court proceedings from start to finish with outcomes including supervision orders, Full Care Orders and Placement Orders
• Experience of the adoption process
• Involved with private family proceedings and undertaken section 37 and section 7 reports
• Supported team members to maintain positive attitudes and plan assessments
• Mentored student social workers and newly qualified workers
• Undertook PQ1 in September 2011

Student Social Worker - Aftercare Team, Wigan - Wigan

(2008 - 2009)

100 day placement

Student Social Worker - Bolton Association and Network of Drop-ins, The Bolton Hub - Bolton

(2007 - 2008)

70 day placement

Student Social Worker - After adoption, Salford - Salford

(2006 - 2006)

30 day placement

Relief Crèche Worker - St. Peters Children's Centre, Manchester City Council - Manchester

(2004 - 2006)

Volunteer - Hanson Corner, Mental Health Resource Centre - Middleton

Bar Staff - Thornberries, Wine Bar - Middleton, Manchester

(2004 - 2006)

Volunteer - Treetops Nursery - Middleton

(2005 - 2005)

Period of 6 weeks

Volunteer - Cosy Corner Nursery - Middleton

Volunteer - Brighter Beginnings Nursery - Middleton

BA Hons - Social Work Studies - University of Salford (2006 - 2009)

AVCE - Health and Social Care - Holy Cross College, Bury (2004 - 2006)

GCSEs - Hulme Grammar School for Girls, Oldham