Job Description
3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• We are seeking an experienced and decisive MASH Social Worker / Decision Maker to join a dynamic and fast-paced safeguarding team.
• You will play a pivotal role in triaging referrals, determining levels of risk, and providing clear, timely direction on threshold decisions.
• Working closely with internal teams and external agencies, you will ensure that vulnerable children and families receive the appropriate support or intervention, in line with statutory guidance.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Triage and analyse referrals received into MASH to determine the appropriate level of intervention or support.
• Make informed and evidence-based decisions on thresholds for statutory children’s social care involvement.
• Liaise directly with families, partner agencies, and professionals to gather relevant information and conduct MASH enquiries.
• Provide direction and guidance to MASH Officers (call handlers) as part of the internal triaging process.
• Collaborate with other professionals within MASH and across partner services to ensure cohesive decision-making and robust safeguarding.
• Ensure all decision-making is timely, well-documented, and compliant with legislation and best practice.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of MASH procedures and inter-agency collaboration.
Skills/Experience:
• Strong knowledge of Children’s Social Care, thresholds, safeguarding frameworks, and relevant legislation (Children Act 1989/2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children).
• Experience in a MASH or frontline assessment team making decisions on risk and thresholds.
• Ability to process and evaluate complex information quickly and confidently.
• High level of professional judgement and analytical skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities, particularly in liaising with multi-agency professionals.
• Competent in IT systems and digital case management tools.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a high-pressure environment.
• Previous experience working in a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub.
• Knowledge of Early Help processes and local thresholds.
• Familiarity with relevant data protection and information sharing protocols in safeguarding contexts.
Additional Information:
• Hybrid (minimum 3 days per week on-site).
• This role is desk-based (no home visits) and ideal for a professional who thrives in a multi-agency environment, with the ability to evaluate information rapidly and accurately.
• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
Requirements
• Strong knowledge of Children’s Social Care, thresholds, safeguarding frameworks, and relevant legislation (Children Act 1989/2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children). • Experience in a MASH or frontline assessment team making decisions on risk and thresholds. • Ability to process and evaluate complex information quickly and confidently. • High level of professional judgement and analytical skills. • Strong verbal and written communication abilities, particularly in liaising with multi-agency professionals. • Competent in IT systems and digital case management tools. • Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a high-pressure environment. • Previous experience working in a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub. • Knowledge of Early Help processes and local thresholds. • Familiarity with relevant data protection and information sharing protocols in safeguarding contexts.