Senior Social Worker

Barnsley Council; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Flexible working options

Wellbeing programme

Just4You benefits

Job summary

Barnsley Council is recruiting a Senior Social Worker to join its Children’s Services in Barnsley. The post offers a fixed-term contract for 12 months with a 37 hour week, Monday to Friday, and a flexible working approach while ensuring continuity of case management.

The salary ranges from £47,181 to £49,282 and includes enhanced DBS checking. A relocation package and robust professional development are highlighted in the benefits.

Qualifications

• We are recruiting Senior Social Workers in Barnsley to support Children’s Services.
• Experience in social work and safeguarding practice is expected.
• DBS Enhanced clearance is required.
• Eligibility to work in the UK and appropriate visa status.

Responsibilities

• Spend meaningful time with children and families to assess needs and risks.
• Deliver high‑quality assessments and analysis to inform decisions.
• Use evidence-informed interventions to support families and HROs.
• Make timely, confident decisions that lead to sustainable change.

Job description

Employee rewards and benefits

Position reference: 50141909

Directorate: Children’s Services | Service: Commissioning

Salary: £47,181 - £49,282

Working Arrangements: Monday to Friday with the requirement to be flexible. A gile Working - min 3 days in the office

This is a full-time role. We are committed to supporting work–life balance, and requests for flexible working, including job share, will be considered in line with the needs of the service. Given the requirement for continuity of support to service users, any flexible working arrangements would need to ensure consistency in case management.

Hours per week: 37

Contract type: Fixed Term for 12 months

We are happy to talk flexible working arrangements with you, please get in touch.

Suitable for Secondment: Employees wishing to be considered for secondment should agree with their head of service before submitting an application form.

See our range of Employee Rewards:

Closing date: Ongoing

We’re excited to be recruiting Children’s Social Workers here in Barnsley, the place of possibilities! There are lots of great things about working for Barnsley Council, but don’t just take our word for it. Visit our dedicated webpage to hear from our social workers, our Executive Director, and learn more about the role and Children’s Services: www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/jobs/social-worker-jobs/.

The successful candidate will be required to speak English to an appropriate standard.

This post requires an Enhanced DBS Check

If you are currently living overseas or have lived overseas in the last five years please be aware, if you are the preferred candidate for the post, you will be required to apply for an overseas criminal records check from the country/countries you have resided in. If you experience difficulty in obtaining an overseas criminal record check please email [e-mail].

When applying, please ensure you are prepared to start work with all the necessary legal documents, such as a valid visa, relevant to the type of work you will be undertaking. Please be aware that our organisation does not possess a Home Office license and, as a result, is unable to provide sponsorship for anyone seeking a visa as a skilled or temporary migrant worker.

Pensions Regulations have provisions to reduce pension payments in certain circumstances of those who return to work within local government service. If you are in receipt of a pension upon commencing employment with the authority, this may affect your pension entitlements and you should therefore seek advice from the relevant Pensions Authority.

About The Post

Join a Council That Invests in Its Social Workers

At Barnsley, Children’s Services are a clear priority. We are committed to ensuring every child and young person in our borough is safe, supported, and able to achieve their full potential.

We recognise the value, experience and resilience that skilled Social Workers bring. That’s why we’ve made significant investment in our workforce—creating additional permanent posts to strengthen teams, reduce pressure, and support high‑quality practice.

Looking for Stability, Support and the Opportunity to Make a Difference?

• Greater stability and consistency
• The chance to build lasting relationships with children and families
• A supportive environment where your professional judgement is trusted
• The opportunity to develop and progress your career long-term

Our Practice Approach

• Spend meaningful time with children and families
• Deliver high‑quality assessments and analysis
• Use evidence-informed interventions
• Make timely, confident decisions that lead to sustainable change

Why Choose Barnsley?

• Competitive salary up to £49,282 for Senior Social Workers
• Investment in staffing to support manageable workloads
• High-quality supervision and visible, supportive leadership
• Flexible working options
• Strong focus on continuous professional development and career progression
• Relocation package available
• Reliable IT systems and practical support for your day‑to‑day work
• A genuine commitment to wellbeing, including an employee assistance programme
• Access to our Just4You benefits scheme: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/jobs/just4you/

Current Opportunities

We Are Recruiting Across

• Children and Young People’s Teams
• Children in Care Teams

For An Informal Discussion, Contact

• Children and Young People Teams: Keren Martin – [e-mail]
• Children in Care: Ben Egginton – [e-mail] or Emma Walsh – [e-mail]

Please use the documents below to help support you with your application form.

Job Profile: Senior Social Worker Job Profile.pdf

Vacancy Exposure Profile: SSW Exposure Profile LOW.doc

Help with your application form

Why work for us?

Please ensure you view the job profile for this role, as you will need to demonstrate in your application form how you meet the required criteria.

We welcome the opportunity to have a chat about the role and are happy to address any questions you may have about flexible working arrangements, including as a result of caring responsibilities.

We're committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued and everyone truly feels able to be themselves. If you have any support needs during the recruitment process, please let us know.

CVs will not be accepted.

www.barnsley.gov.uk/jobs