At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives in children's social care, ensuring quality support for looked after children.
- Company: Barnsley Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, agile working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to second chances.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children in care while developing your expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work or commissioning with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 50269 £ per year.
Position reference: 50145812
Directorate: Children’s Services | Service: Commissioning Teams
Salary: £47,181 - £50,269
Working arrangements: Agile working
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 05/06/2026 23:59
This post requires an Enhanced DBS Check.
Responsibilities
- You’ll bring subject matter expertise in looked after children, placement sufficiency or children in care commissioning.
- You’ll know the system from the inside, whether through social work practice, commissioning, data or programme delivery, and you’ll understand what the pressures facing children in care teams actually look like day to day.
- Strong analytical skills are essential. You’ll be working with complex demand and cost data, interpreting trends, and translating that analysis into clear programme intelligence for senior governance.
- Excellent written communication matters too: the reports and briefings you produce will inform gateway decisions and go to senior leadership. Accuracy and clarity are not optional.
- Reporting to the Head of Programme Management Office, you’ll work closely with social work teams, commissioners and the Head of PMO to keep the Children in Care workstream on track against milestones, and you’ll be expected to spot drift and elevate risks before they become problems.
- This is a role for someone who takes both their subject matter and the quality of their outputs seriously.
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.
Equal Opportunity and Support
We are 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. At Barnsley Council, we believe in second chances and value diversity. Our recruitment process is inclusive, and we welcome applicants with past convictions. CV's are not accepted for this role.
Senior Programme Officer (SME Children's Social Care) in Barnsley employer: Barnsley Council
Barnsley Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees, particularly in the vital area of children's social care. With a commitment to agile working arrangements and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to make meaningful contributions while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. The council offers unique opportunities for career development and encourages open dialogue about flexible working, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Programme Officer (SME Children's Social Care) in Barnsley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the children's social care sector, especially those who work with looked after children. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your analytical skills. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data to drive decisions in past roles. We want to see that you can translate complex information into actionable insights!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! Practice explaining your past experiences clearly and concisely. Remember, the reports you’ll be writing will need to be spot on, so let’s see that clarity in your conversations too.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Programme Officer (SME Children's Social Care) in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand what the Senior Programme Officer role entails. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:When you're crafting your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to see your analytical skills shine through in your writing, so make sure your points are easy to follow and get straight to the heart of the matter.
Showcase Your Expertise:This role requires subject matter expertise, so don’t hold back! Share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your knowledge in looked after children or commissioning. We love seeing how you've tackled challenges and made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Finally, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures everything is in one place. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of looked after children and the commissioning process. Familiarise yourself with current trends and challenges in children's social care, as this will help you demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Think of specific examples where your analytical skills made a difference, and be ready to explain how you interpret complex data into actionable insights.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent written communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a brief report or summary on a relevant topic to showcase your writing skills during the interview.
✨Be Proactive About Challenges
Think about potential risks and challenges that could arise in the role and how you would address them. Showing that you can spot issues before they escalate will demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to quality outputs.
