Social Worker Assessment Team

Schools’ Choice; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Opus People Solutions on behalf of Milton Keynes City Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the MASH Assessment Pod on a full-time basis. You will undertake timely interventions to safeguard children and support families at the earliest opportunity, within a structured three-week rota.

You will attend Initial Child in Need meetings and Child Protection conferences, conduct home visits, and work across multi-agency teams with safeguarding as a priority.

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
• Experience of working within Children's Services.
• Strong assessment and safeguarding skills.
• Experience managing Child in Need, Child Protection, and Section 47 work.
• Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced multi-agency environment.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel within the community.
• DBS check may be applicable; disclose cautions/ convictions that are not protected.

Responsibilities

• Undertake timely assessments and safeguarding interventions to safeguard children.
• Engage with families and coordinate with multi-agency partners.
• Attend strategy discussions and Initial Child in Need / Child Protection meetings.
• Record case notes accurately and maintain quality recordings.

Skills

Social work safeguarding

Children's Services experience

Assessment skills

Multi-agency collaboration

Education

Social Work degree

Job description

About the Role

Opus People Solutions on behalf of Milton Keynes City Council is seeking an experienced and dedicated Social Worker to join their MASH Assessment Pod on a full-time basis. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a dynamic assessment service where you will undertake timely interventions to safeguard children and support families at the earliest opportunity.

You will be part of one of our Assessment Pods, operating on a structured three-week rota designed to provide variety and balance within the role.

• Week 1: Assessment Week
  • Manage up to four pre-arranged Single Assessments.
  • Conduct home visits and engage directly with children and families.
  • Complete comprehensive assessments and required recording.
• Week 2: Triage Week
  • Fully office-based.
  • Respond to urgent safeguarding concerns and potential Section 47 enquiries.
  • Attend strategy discussions and multi-agency meetings.
  • Undertake visits to families, either independently or jointly with the Police.
• Week 3: Follow-Up Week
  • No new cases allocated.
  • Opportunity to complete outstanding assessments, visit notes, meetings, and follow-up work.
  • Focus on case progression and quality recording.

The team retains cases through to the Initial Child in Need Meeting or Initial Child Protection Conference, where cases are then transferred to longer-term teams. Social Workers are expected to attend these meetings as part of the handover process. Where legal proceedings are initiated, the team remains case holder until the first court hearing. Similarly, when a child becomes Looked After, the case remains with the Assessment Team until the first review meeting.

Working Arrangements

During the first four weeks, successful candidates will be required to attend the Milton Keynes office every day as part of the induction process. During Triage Week, office attendance is required every day due to the urgent and responsive nature of the work. During the remaining two weeks of the rota, there is flexibility to work from home for up to two days per week (maximum six days over the ten working days), subject to service needs.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
• Experience of working within Children's Services.
• Strong assessment and safeguarding skills.
• Experience managing Child in Need, Child Protection, and Section 47 work.
• Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced multi-agency environment.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel within the community.
• This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. A DBS check may be applicable for this role, applicants are required to declare any cautions and convictions that are not protected under current filtering rules.