Advanced Practitioner – Assessment and Duty Team

Specialism / Department: Children’s Social Work – Assessment & Duty
Location: Barnsley, UK
Salary / Pay Rate: £37 per hour
Contract Type: Locum / Ongoing
Working Pattern: Part-Time / Full-Time

Role Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Advanced Practitioner to join the Assessment and Duty Team within Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. This ongoing locum position offers both part‑time and full‑time flexibility, along with the chance to contribute to frontline safeguarding services supporting children, young people, and families.

As an Advanced Practitioner, you will play a pivotal role in providing professional leadership, delivering high‑quality assessments, and ensuring robust oversight of complex cases. You will support less experienced practitioners, contribute to decision‑making processes, and help maintain excellent practice standards across the team. This role is ideal for someone with strong safeguarding experience and a passion for improving outcomes for children.

Perks and Benefits

• Part-Time / Full-Time Options: Achieve a strong work–life balance.
• Hourly Pay: Competitive rate of £37 per hour.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for further training and advancement.
• Supportive Team: Be part of a dedicated and collaborative social care team.
• Great Location: Enjoy a convenient and accessible working base in the heart of Barnsley.

Key Responsibilities / What You Will Do

• Carry out complex assessments of children and families to identify risk, need, and appropriate interventions.
• Manage and oversee cases within the duty and assessment service, ensuring timely decision-making.
• Provide mentoring, guidance, and support to social workers and newly qualified staff.
• Lead strategy discussions, safeguarding enquiries, and child protection processes.
• Ensure compliance with statutory frameworks, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies such as health, education, and police.
• Support team managers in auditing, performance monitoring, and quality assurance activities.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date case records using the council’s management systems.

Requirements / Candidate Criteria

Essential

• Recognised Social Work degree or equivalent qualification.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Substantial experience within Children’s Services — particularly assessment, safeguarding, or duty.
• Strong understanding of statutory frameworks including the Children Act 1989 & 2004.
• Ability to manage complex cases and provide professional oversight to team members.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a senior or advanced practitioner within a local authority.
• Practice Educator qualification or experience supporting ASYE social workers.
• Strong knowledge of risk assessment and child protection procedures.

Why Barnsley

Barnsley is a warm, welcoming, and community-focused location with a rich industrial heritage. The area offers affordable living, excellent local amenities, and easy access to scenic countryside and outdoor spaces. Its vibrant culture, community spirit, and strong commitment to children’s services make it an excellent place for both professional growth and personal wellbeing. Barnsley provides a supportive environment for social workers to thrive while making a positive impact.

Working with Sanctuary Personnel

Sanctuary Personnel is a trusted, award‑winning social care recruitment agency with an Excellent Trustpilot rating backed by over 1,000 reviews. They specialise in matching experienced practitioners with high‑quality locum roles and are committed to delivering competitive rates and exceptional candidate support. With Sanctuary, you’ll receive a smooth, professional, and personalised recruitment experience from start to finish.