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

Role Overview

An excellent ongoing locum opportunity is available for an experienced Advanced Practitioner to join the Assessment and Duty Team within Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s Children’s Services. This role offers part‑time flexibility alongside a competitive hourly rate of £37, making it ideal for practitioners seeking both balance and meaningful impact.

As an Advanced Practitioner, you will play a key leadership role in Barnsley’s fast‑paced front‑door service, offering expert oversight of complex cases, supporting timely safeguarding decisions, and ensuring high‑quality assessments. You will also provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced social workers, helping strengthen practice standards and improve outcomes for children and families.

Perks and Benefits

• Part-Time Flexibility: Maintain an excellent work–life balance while contributing to essential frontline services.
• Hourly Pay: Earn £37 per hour, paid for every hour of your dedicated work.
• Professional Development: Ongoing opportunities for career growth and skill enhancement.
• Varied Experience: Locum work provides choice, variety, and exposure to different scenarios.
• Supportive Environment: Work with a forward‑thinking and highly committed Children’s Services team.

Key Responsibilities / What You Will Do

• Carry out complex child and family assessments to identify risk, needs, and appropriate safeguarding interventions.
• Support the duty and assessment functions, ensuring timely responses to referrals and concerns.
• Provide practice leadership and mentoring to social workers and Newly Qualified Social Workers.
• Lead or contribute to strategy discussions, child protection enquiries, and safeguarding processes.
• Ensure compliance with statutory frameworks, including Working Together to Safeguard Children.
• Work collaboratively with professionals across health, education, police, and other partner agencies.
• Support team managers with audits, supervision contributions, and service improvement work.
• Maintain accurate, high‑quality case records and documentation in line with council standards.

Requirements / Candidate Criteria

Essential

• Recognised Social Work Degree or equivalent.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Significant experience within Children’s Services, particularly assessment, safeguarding, or duty teams.
• Strong working knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and 2004.
• Ability to manage complex cases and provide professional leadership to colleagues.

Desirable

• Previous senior or Advanced Practitioner experience within a local authority.
• Practice Educator qualification or experience supporting ASYE practitioners.
• Strong skills in risk assessment and child protection procedures.

Why Barnsley

Barnsley offers a vibrant blend of urban convenience and stunning countryside, making it a rewarding place to live and work. Known for its rich industrial heritage, lively community spirit, and access to scenic landscapes, the town provides an inviting environment for professionals. Whether enjoying local culture or exploring nearby countryside, Barnsley offers a supportive and balanced lifestyle alongside a fulfilling social work career.

Working with Sanctuary Personnel

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