Hertfordshire Children's Services is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Practitioner to join our Front Door Gateway Service, working within our Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). This role is ideal for confident, skilled social workers who are passionate about making a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children, young people and their families.
You will be working at the forefront of best practice within a stable, innovative local authority, recently rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted, ensuring children receive the right support at the right time to keep them safe, healthy and able to thrive.
About the Service
The Front Door Gateway incorporates the MASH function, alongside triaging requests for support across Hertfordshire's Children and Families services. The service is staffed by a highly skilled, committed workforce including qualified Social Workers and Children's Information and Advice Officers (CIAOs).
Our aim is to provide a timely, proportionate response to safeguarding concerns and early help requests, ensuring intervention is delivered at the most appropriate level. While the role is primarily based within MASH, there will be opportunities to support Early Help triage when required.
Key Responsibilities
As a Senior Practitioner, you will:
Triage and screen contacts requiring safeguarding or early help responses
Provide management direction and oversight on incoming contacts.
Line manage a small team of Social Workers or CIAOs
Allocate work and ensure timely, effective decision-making
Authorise outcomes and recommendations for children and families
Monitor progress of contacts and agree clear plans of action
Offer reflective supervision, guidance and support to staff
Maintain a calm, child-focused approach when managing complex and high-risk situations
This is a fast-paced role, ideal for practitioners who enjoy variety, challenge and responsibility while keeping the child's needs at the centre of practice.
Requirements
Social Work England (SWE) registration - essential
Minimum of 3 years' post-qualifying experience in statutory children's social work
Strong experience in front door, MASH, safeguarding or triage work
Proven ability to supervise, support and lead staff
Confident decision-maker with excellent risk assessment skills
Why Join Hertfordshire?
Ofsted-rated Outstanding Children's Services.
Supportive, experienced management and a strong team culture
Opportunity to work at the front door of children's services, where your decisions truly matter
Competitive pay of up to £41.50 per hour umbrella
If you are an experienced social worker looking to take the next step in your career and thrive in a dynamic, high-impact role, we would love to hear from you.
Don't forget...Eden Brown Synergy offers a £250 referral bonus for Social Workers. If this role isn't for you but you know someone suitable, ask them to get in touch. £250 could be on it's way to you! Your expert recruitment consultant is Becky Dewis, call today on (phone number removed) or email (url removed) Eden Brown Synergy is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Eden Brown Synergy is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
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