Location: Woking, Surrey
Salary: £49,399 to £52,958 per annum
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
About the Role:
Seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Team. This critical role ensures that children and families receive timely, proportionate, and effective safeguarding responses at the first point of contact with children’s services.
As a Senior Social Worker in MASH, you will be responsible for screening referrals, conducting robust risk assessments, and making threshold decisions on cases involving children at risk of harm. Working within a fast-paced multi-agency environment, you will collaborate with key partners such as police, health, education, and early help services to ensure effective information-sharing and safeguarding responses.
This role requires strong analytical skills, professional curiosity, and the ability to make well-evidenced decisions under pressure. You will also provide support and guidance to junior colleagues, helping to drive high standards of practice within the team.
Key Responsibilities:
* Screen and assess incoming child protection and safeguarding referrals to determine the appropriate level of intervention.
* Apply threshold criteria in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 and local safeguarding protocols.
* Undertake information-gathering and analysis, drawing from police, health, education, and other agencies to build a full picture of risk and protective factors.
* Make timely and defensible decisions regarding whether cases should proceed to Early Help, Child in Need (CIN), Child Protection (CP), or immediate safeguarding interventions.
* Work collaboratively within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) alongside police, health, education, probation, and early help services.
* Lead multi-agency strategy discussions where significant concerns are identified.
* Offer professional advice and challenge to partner agencies, ensuring safeguarding best practice is upheld.
* Develop and maintain strong working relationships with external agencies to improve the effectiveness of information-sharing and decision-making.
* Support and mentor newly qualified and less experienced social workers in the MASH team.
* Provide case consultations, reflective supervision, and guidance to colleagues on complex safeguarding cases.
* Participate in service development, policy reviews, and quality assurance processes to enhance MASH effectiveness.
* Contribute to multi-agency training and workshops, promoting best practice in safeguarding and early intervention.
Requirements:
* A recognised qualification in Social Work (e.g., BA/MA Social Work, Diploma in Social Work, or equivalent).
* Current registration with Social Work England (SWE) as a qualified social worker.
* Significant experience in children’s social work, with a strong background in assessment, safeguarding, and multi-agency collaboration.
* Proven experience in a management or supervisory role, with the ability to lead and motivate a team.
* Strong understanding of relevant legislation and statutory guidance, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004, and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children, families, and multi-agency professionals.
* Ability to make informed, evidence-based decisions in complex situations, ensuring the best outcomes for children.
* A commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice.
* Full UK driving licence and the ability to travel across Surrey as required.
Why Join Surrey County Council?
This is an exciting opportunity to take on a leadership role within a dedicated team, where you can make a significant impact on the lives of children and families in Surrey. Surrey is committed to providing high-quality services and fostering a supportive working environment.
* Career Development: You will have access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge in social work management and practice.
* Impact: As a Team Manager, you will play a crucial role in shaping the assessment process and ensuring that children’s needs are prioritised and met.
* Benefits: Surrey County Council offers a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive benefits package, including pension and access to employee support services.
How to Apply:
If you are an experienced social worker with a passion for leading teams and improving outcomes for children and families, we encourage you to apply for this role. Join a dedicated team committed to delivering outstanding services in Surrey.
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