Senior Social Worker – Children’s Services

Our client is recruiting two experienced Senior Social Workers to join their Duty and Assessment Service within Children’s Services in Barnsley. This is an exciting opportunity to work within one of four Assessment Teams, co-located with police colleagues at Wombwell Police Station, delivering timely, high-quality assessments for children and families.

The Assessment Teams undertake statutory assessments within 40 working days, working collaboratively with families to determine the most appropriate intervention. Following assessment, cases will either step down to Early Help, close to Children’s Social Care, or transfer to long-term social work teams where required.

This is a short-term intervention service with a strong focus on quality, timeliness, and risk-informed decision-making.

Service Model:

• Four Assessment Teams operating on a rota basis
• One week on duty followed by three weeks off duty
• During off-duty weeks, social workers complete assessments and develop intervention plans
• Clear pathways to Early Help, long-term teams, or case closure

Key Responsibilities:

• Undertake high-quality statutory assessments with children and families within 40 working days.
• Manage duty allocations during the duty week while maintaining effective decision-making at pace.
• Identify need and risk, ensuring assessments lead to the right intervention at the right time.
• Work collaboratively with families, police, and partner agencies to safeguard children.
• Develop clear, outcome-focused plans and ensure timely progression of cases.
• Record high-quality case notes and assessments in line with performance expectations.
• Support a culture of reflective, evidence-based practice within a performance management framework.
• Working Pattern
• Full-time post
• Hybrid working model
• Minimum 3 days per week office-based
• 5 days office-based during duty week
• Current work base: Wombwell Police Station
• Skills and Experience Required
• Degree level qualification in Social Work (or equivalent).
• Registered with Social Work England.
• Significant post-qualified experience within Children’s Services.
• Experience in Duty and Assessment or fast-paced assessment teams.
• Ability to work confidently under pressure and make timely decisions.
• Strong understanding of risk, thresholds, and statutory responsibilities.
• Passion for improving outcomes and lived experiences for children and families.
• Eligible to work in the UK.