Child Protection Team

Randstad Care AS; Barnsley; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnsley Council is recruiting a Senior Social Worker for the Court & Child Protection Team. The post involves leading high-profile child protection work, managing private and public family court proceedings, and safeguarding children in the borough.

The role demands substantial post-qualifying experience in Children's Social Care, with strong knowledge of court processes and the Children Act. Hybrid working is available and a professional, supportive team environment is offered.

Qualifications

• Degree in Social Work (BA/MA/DipSW or equivalent) is required.
• Registration with Social Work England is essential.
• Significant post-qualifying experience in Children’s Social Care with court experience.
• Knowledge of the Children Act 1989/2004 and PLO frameworks preferred.
• Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle for business travel.

Responsibilities

• Manage a complex caseload involving public care proceedings and court assessments.
• Draft high-quality court reports, statements and Care Plans to judicial timelines.
• Represent the local authority in family court hearings with clear, credible evidence.
• Conduct single assessments, risk assessments and parenting capacity evaluations.
• Collaborate with legal teams, guardians, health professionals and police.
• Mentor and provide case guidance to less experienced social workers.

Skills

Court & Protection

Report writing

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Degree in Social Work

Job description

Job Title: Senior Social Worker - Court & Child Protection Team

Location: Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (Hybrid working options available)

Pay Rate: £35.00 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: Full-Time, Locum Assignment

About the Role

Barnsley Council is looking for a skilled and resilient Senior Social Worker to join their dynamic Court & Child Protection Team.

This role is ideal for an experienced practitioner who thrives in dynamic legal environments. You will take the lead on high-profile, complex child protection cases, managing proceedings through private and public family court while ensuring children in the borough are effectively safeguarded and supported.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a complex caseload involving public care proceedings (PLO), court assessments, and emergency intervention work.
• Draft high-quality, evidence-based court reports, statements, and Care Plans to strict judicial timelines.
• Represent the local authority directly in family court hearings and provide clear, credible evidence.
• Execute thorough, analytical single assessments, risk assessments, and parenting capacity evaluations.
• Collaborate closely with legal teams, guardians, health professionals, and police partners.
• Provide informal mentoring and case guidance to less experienced social workers within the team.

Requirements

• Qualification: Degree in Social Work (BA/MA/DipSW or equivalent).
• Registration: Active registration with Social Work England.
• Experience: Significant post-qualifying experience in Children's Social Care, with proven expertise in court proceedings and complex child protection cases.
• Knowledge: Deep knowledge of the Children Act 1989/2004, Public Law Outline (PLO) frameworks, and current family justice reform practice.
• Driver: Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business travel.

Why Join Barnsley Council?

• Competitive Pay: Premium rate of £35.00 per hour for senior expertise.
• Flexible Working: Modern hybrid structure combining home-based admin time with essential court and visit attendances.
• Structured Support: Well-resourced legal support, manageable caseload limits, and consistent reflective management supervision.

Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.