Locum Social Worker

3D Recruit; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the UK is seeking a Qualified Social Worker for the MASH Team in Children's Services. You will triage safeguarding referrals, collaborate with multiple agencies, and ensure children's safety through informed decision-making. The ideal candidate is a registered Social Worker with proven experience in Children's Services and excellent analytical skills. The role offers a dynamic environment with hybrid work options.

Benefits

Ongoing learning opportunities

Regular supervision

Dynamic work environment

Qualifications

• Registered Social Worker with Social Work England.
• Experience in areas like MASH, Assessment, or Safeguarding.
• Understanding of safeguarding thresholds and statutory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Triage and analyse safeguarding referrals.
• Apply threshold guidance for decision-making.
• Work with partner agencies to build risk understanding.
• Record case notes and maintain statutory timescales.
• Identify risk and protective factors.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Social Work England registration

Experience in Children's Services

Job description

Qualified Social Worker - MASH Team (Children's Services)

Role Overview

As a Qualified Social Worker within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), you will play a critical role in the front door of Children's Services. You will be responsible for screening, assessing, and analysing safeguarding concerns for children and families, ensuring timely and effective decision-making to keep children safe. This role requires strong analytical skills, professional curiosity, and the ability to work collaboratively with partner agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Triage and analyse safeguarding referrals received within MASH, ensuring clear and accurate information gathering.
• Apply threshold guidance and local safeguarding procedures to inform decisions on next steps, including strategy discussions, assessments, or early help pathways.
• Work closely with partner agencies such as police, health, education, and early help to share information and build a holistic understanding of risk.
• Record high-quality case notes, decision rationales, and management oversight within required timeframes.
• Prioritise cases effectively in a fast-paced environment, ensuring statutory timescales are met.
• Demonstrate strong professional judgement in identifying risk, harm, and protective factors.
• Participate in daily MASH screening meetings and multi-agency discussions.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, statutory guidance, and local practice standards.
• Contribute to continuous service improvement within the MASH.

Requirements

• Social Work England registered Social Worker.
• Proven experience in Children's Services, ideally within MASH, Assessment, Safeguarding, or Duty teams.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding thresholds and statutory frameworks such as Working Together to Safeguard Children.
• Confident in multi-agency working and gathering information from a range of sources.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and written skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply).

What This Role Offers

• Opportunity to work at the forefront of safeguarding decision-making.
• Fast-paced and dynamic environment with strong multi-agency collaboration.
• Supportive management, regular supervision, and access to ongoing learning.
• Hybrid working options depending on local authority policy.