Senior Children’s Fostering Social Worker

Senior Children’s Fostering Social Worker | Barnsley, Yorkshire | £35 per hour (umbrella) | 3‑Month Temporary Contract, Full-Time.

We are currently recruiting for 2 experienced Senior Children’s Fostering Social Workers to join a dedicated and supportive team within Barnsley’s Children’s Services. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced practitioners looking to work within a collaborative and forward-thinking fostering service, managing complex cases while supporting the development of less experienced colleagues.

As a Senior Social Worker within the Fostering Team, you will manage a complex caseload involving high levels of risk, uncertainty, and challenge. You will play a key role in safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people while contributing to best practice across the service.

• Undertake complex assessments and risk management for children, young people, and families/carers
• Build strong partnerships with children, families, carers, and multi‑agency professionals
• Plan, implement, and review interventions in line with statutory responsibilities and service procedures
• Manage complex casework independently while demonstrating sound professional judgement
• Support and mentor less experienced social workers through modelling best practice
• Maintain accurate, high‑quality case records and reports
• Promote positive outcomes and independence for children and families
• Engage proactively in supervision, reflective practice, and professional development

• A Degree in Social Work or equivalent qualification
• Social Work England registration
• A minimum of 3 years’ post‑qualification experience within Children’s Social Care
• Strong experience managing complex child‑focused casework within a statutory setting
• Experience working with children, young people, and families
• Excellent assessment, safeguarding, and risk management skills
• Strong communication and partnership‑working abilities

• Completion of ASYE/Newly Qualified Social Worker programme
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
• Post‑graduate study or specialist training

• Competitive £35 per hour umbrella rate
• Hybrid/flexible working opportunities where available
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Opportunity to make a genuine impact on children and families
• Immediate start available