Location:Woking, Surrey
Salary: £49,399 to £52,958 per annum
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
About the Role:
Seeking an experienced Advanced Social Worker to join the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Team. This role is pivotal in ensuring that children and families receive timely, proportionate, and effective safeguarding responses at the first point of contact with children’s services.
As an Advanced Social Worker in MASH, you will play a key role in screening, risk assessing, and making threshold decisions on referrals regarding children at risk of harm. You will work closely with partner agencies, including police, health, education, and early help services, to ensure robust information-sharing and coordinated safeguarding responses.
This is a fast-paced role requiring strong analytical skills, excellent multi-agency collaboration, and the ability to make well-evidenced decisions under pressure.
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.
Please note, this job is managed by Sanctuary Personnel on behalf of its client. If you apply, Sanctuary Personnel will receive your details and be in touch to progress your application.
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