Senior Social Worker

My Social Work News; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Social Worker to join the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) team. This role is pivotal in safeguarding children by assessing referrals and collaborating with partner agencies. You will lead complex cases, mentor junior staff, and contribute to service development initiatives. With a focus on making informed decisions and ensuring swift responses to safeguarding concerns, this position offers a chance to make a real impact on children's lives. Join a supportive team that values your expertise and commitment to professional growth while making a difference in the community.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Ongoing training and professional development

Flexible working arrangements

Generous annual leave allowance

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker with a degree in Social Work or equivalent.
• Significant experience in child protection and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Screen and assess referrals, making timely decisions on actions.
• Collaborate with professionals to ensure a coordinated approach.

Skills

Safeguarding and child protection

Risk assessment

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Decision-making

Multi-agency collaboration

Education

Degree in Social Work

Current registration with Social Work England

Tools

Children Act (1989)

Children and Families Act (2014)

Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

Job description

About the Role:

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Social Worker to join the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) team. The MASH team plays a vital role in safeguarding children by providing a collaborative approach to identifying risks and ensuring swift, effective responses to concerns about children’s welfare.

As a Senior Social Worker, you will be responsible for making informed decisions about safeguarding referrals, working alongside partner agencies to share information and make assessments. You will bring your expertise to complex cases, supporting the team to deliver high standards of practice, and ensuring that children and families receive the right help at the right time.

This is a challenging and rewarding role where you can make a real impact on children’s lives by ensuring that safeguarding concerns are swiftly addressed, and risks to children are minimised through effective multi-agency working.

Key Responsibilities:

• Screen and assess referrals received through the MASH team, making timely decisions on appropriate courses of action.
• Undertake risk assessments to determine the level of intervention required, liaising with partner agencies such as police, health, and education to gather and share information.
• Collaborate with other professionals to ensure a holistic and co-ordinated approach to safeguarding children and young people.
• Provide advice and support to less experienced social workers in the team, guiding them in managing complex cases and ensuring best practice.
• Act as a point of escalation for complex or high-risk cases, offering your expertise in safeguarding and child protection.
• Ensure that all decisions and actions are documented thoroughly in line with local authority policies and procedures, maintaining accurate records.
• Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, strategy discussions, and case reviews as required.
• Work within the framework of the Children Act (1989), Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), and other relevant legislation.
• Support the development of the MASH team by sharing knowledge and best practices, identifying areas for improvement, and contributing to service development initiatives.
• Liaise with senior management and report on trends and issues identified through the MASH process, ensuring that emerging concerns are addressed and improvements made where necessary.

About You:

The ideal candidate will be a confident and experienced social worker with a strong background in safeguarding and child protection. You will have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing a varied caseload and making swift, informed decisions about risk and intervention.

You will need excellent communication and analytical skills to effectively assess referrals and work collaboratively with partner agencies. Your ability to lead and mentor colleagues, combined with a commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children, will make you a valued member of the MASH team.

• Qualified Social Worker with a degree in Social Work (or equivalent qualification) recognised by Social Work England.
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• Significant experience working within child protection and safeguarding, ideally within a MASH or assessment team.
• A thorough understanding of safeguarding legislation, including the Children Act (1989), Children and Families Act (2014), and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018).
• Strong decision-making and risk assessment skills, with experience managing complex and high-risk cases.
• Experience working within a multi-agency environment, with an understanding of the roles of partner agencies in safeguarding.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with professionals from different agencies.
• A commitment to continued professional development and learning.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing demands.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.

What’s in it for You?

• Career development opportunities within a supportive and collaborative team.
• Access to ongoing training and professional development tailored to your role.
• The chance to make a direct impact on safeguarding children and supporting families in need.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and a generous annual leave allowance.

Why Join the Team?

The MASH team operates at the heart of safeguarding, providing an essential service that protects vulnerable children and ensures their safety. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team that shares information quickly and efficiently, ensuring that every child receives the support and protection they need. This is an opportunity to use your skills and experience to make a tangible difference in children’s lives while growing your own career in a supportive environment.

How to Apply:

If you are a dedicated and experienced social worker with a strong background in safeguarding, we encourage you to apply for this role.

Please note, this job is managed by Sanctuary Personnel on behalf of its client. If you apply, Sanctuary Personnel will receive your details and be in touch to progress your application.

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