Social Worker - MASH - Social Care Qualified

Neway International Ltd; Horsham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Horsham is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub. The role involves assessing risk and need for vulnerable children and their families, conducting care planning and child protection investigations, and collaborating with multi-agency partners. Candidates should have a professional qualification in Social Work and at least 3 years’ experience in local authority children’s social care. A strong background in frontline child protection is essential.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in Social Work, registered with Social Work England.
• Minimum 3 years’ post-qualified experience in local authority children’s social care in England.
• Recent frontline child protection experience essential.

Responsibilities

• Undertake assessments to identify risk and need for vulnerable children.
• Deliver care planning and child protection investigations.
• Collaborate effectively with multi-agency partners.

Skills

Assessment skills

Multi-agency collaboration

Child protection experience

Direct work with children

Education

Professional qualification in Social Work

Job description

Location, Hours & Pay

Location: Chart Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1XH

Hours: 37 per week

Start Date: 01 January 2026

Duration: on-going

Pay Rates: PAYE £26.53 per hour / Limited/Umbrella £36.23 per hour

Work Pattern: Minimum 3 days per week office-based (hybrid working arrangement)

About the Client

West Sussex County Council’s Children, Young People and Learning directorate is committed to safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children and families. The Multi‑Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) plays a vital role in assessing risk, coordinating responses, and ensuring children are protected in line with statutory guidance and legislation.

The Role

As a Social Worker within MASH, you will be at the forefront of assessing need and risk for vulnerable children and their families. You will undertake high‑quality assessments, care planning, and child protection investigations, working collaboratively with multi‑agency partners to achieve positive change and improved outcomes. This temporary role is to support a peak in workload and requires strong frontline child protection experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake assessments to identify risk and need, ensuring children are adequately protected.
• Deliver care planning and child protection investigations to prevent unnecessary separation of children from families.
• Work directly with children to identify their needs and ensure their voices are heard.
• Collaborate effectively with multi‑agency partners to deliver coordinated safeguarding responses.
• Drive positive change and improved outcomes through high‑quality practice and decision‑making.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and legislation.

Candidate Requirements

• Professional qualification in Social Work, registered with Social Work England.
• Minimum 3 years’ post‑qualified experience in local authority children’s social care in England.
• Recent frontline child protection experience essential.
• Strong assessment skills with the ability to identify risk and need.
• Experience of direct work with children and families.
• Proven multi‑agency working experience.
• Must be a qualified driver with access to a car.
• Able to provide at least two detailed practice‑based references (DfE template).