Return Officer

Position reference:

Directorate:
Children’s Services| Service:

Children & Family Social Care

Working Arrangements
: A gile Working

Contract type: Fixed term until 31/7/27

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 .

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

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:

This is an exciting opportunity to join Barnsley Children and Family Social Care as a part-time Return Home Interview Officer (18.5 hours). You will provide an independent return home interview function for children and young people who have been missing from home or care, helping to understand what happened, identify any risks, and ensure their voice is heard.

Return Home Interviews are a vital part of safeguarding practice. In this role, you will engage directly with children and young people, explore the push and pull factors linked to missing episodes, and provide independent advice, guidance and signposting to help reduce future risk. You will work closely with Children’s Social Care, Early Help, Police, Education, Health and other partners to ensure information is shared appropriately and that children and young people receive the right support at the right time.

You will produce high-quality written records that demonstrate clear analysis and understanding of risk, alert managers to individual cases of concern, contribute to strategy meetings where required , and help the service reduce repeat missing episodes through effective and creative engagement.

Our vision in Childrens Services is clear –

Barnsley a place of possibilities:

We are one service with one goal, working together to build a brighter Barnsley for every child

Putting Children and Families First

Working together in partnership to deliver joined up care

Delivered by a strong and valued workforce

Our vision and genuine commitment to supporting our workforce to deliver the very best outcomes for children and young people makes this a great time to join us in Barnsley. We are looking for someone who is compassionate, reflective, confident in engaging children and young people, and committed to safeguarding and promoting their wellbeing.

Who are we looking for?

You will have a relevant Level 4 qualification, such as Youth and Community Work, or substantial equivalent experience in a relevant area.

You will have substantial experience of working with children and young people who may be difficult or reluctant to engage, including those whose behaviour may place them at risk of poor outcomes.

You will have experience of partnership working with services such as Children’s Social Care, Police, Education and Health, and an understanding of safeguarding, exploitation and risk.

You will be able to build trusting relationships with children, young people and families, adapting your approach, tools and resources to support meaningful engagement.

You will be…