Advanced Practitioner

Description:

Barnsley Council’s Children & Family Social Care service is seeking a skilled and motivated Advanced Practitioner to join its award-winning social work team. This is an exciting opportunity to take on a leadership and mentoring role while continuing to make a tangible difference in the lives of children, young people, and families across the borough.

The Advanced Practitioner role combines direct casework with team development responsibilities. You’ll play a pivotal role in promoting best practice, supporting the growth and development of new and existing social workers, and driving quality improvement within the service.

At Barnsley Council, you’ll work as part of an agile, supportive, and collaborative team dedicated to safeguarding children and providing family-centered care. You’ll also benefit from a culture that prioritizes professional development, flexible working, and employee well-being.

Key Responsibilities:

• Mentor, guide, and support newly qualified social workers through their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) program in partnership with the Practice Development Hub.

• Collaborate with the team manager to promote and embed best practice across the team.

• Manage a reduced and manageable caseload, focusing on the most complex cases.

• Deliver effective child-centered interventions that promote safety, stability, and positive outcomes for children and families.

• Champion Barnsley’s “Signs of Safety” approach to child protection and family support.

• Contribute to service development initiatives and practice learning within the wider Children’s Services team.

• Participate in reflective supervision and support a culture of continuous professional development.

• Promote joint working and strong partnerships with agencies, families, and community networks.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England (SWE).

• Proven experience working in statutory children’s social work, including child protection and court proceedings.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and support students, newly qualified social workers, and colleagues.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.

• Self-motivated, innovative, and committed to delivering high-quality outcomes for children and families.

• Ability to maintain accurate case records and manage workloads effectively.

In Return, Barnsley Council Offers:

• Competitive annual salary of £50,269.

• Agile working arrangement – minimum three days in the office per week.

• Supportive induction and reduced caseload for better work-life balance.

• Robust training and development program tailored to individual growth.

• Opportunities for career progression within Children’s Services.

• Dedicated Practice Development Team for ongoing professional support.

• Flexible working, with IT systems that enable remote access and efficient case management.

• Free on-site parking.

• Welcome payment for new joiners and financial incentives for Practice Educators.

• Payment of Social Work England registration fees.

• Employee benefits and wellbeing package (JUST4YOU): discounts, health support, and more.

• Inclusive and supportive management committed to diversity and second chances.

Additional Information:

• Position Reference: 50136197/757166

• Directorate: Children’s Services – Children & Family Social Care

• Hours: 37 per week (Full-time)

• Contract Type: Permanent

• Closing Date: 7th November 2025 (23:59)

• DBS Check: Enhanced DBS required

• Applicants living overseas in the last five years must obtain overseas criminal record checks.

• No visa sponsorship available – applicants must have valid UK work authorization.

• Pension entitlements may be affected if re-employed while receiving a local government pension.