Service Manager for Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub and Early Help
This role will be partnership-focused as we explore to further improve our MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) and enhance partnerships within the Family First agenda, co-designing with children, young people, and their families. The Service Manager for MASH and Early Help has overall responsibility for the operational management of our Early Help, Locality Community Support Service (LCSS), and MASH teams. This role will ensure consistent application of governing legislation and the Oxfordshire Partnership Early Help and Prevention Strategy, with specific responsibility for Family Hubs.
This role will lead the operations of the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and Locality Community Support Service (LCSS), working closely with children's social care teams and partner agencies. It will provide leadership and management of allocated resources to ensure that Children's Social Care Practice Standards and the operating model of Family Safeguarding are delivered to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
The role involves managing the performance of the MASH to ensure a safe, effective, and timely response to children and families requiring additional, specialist, or urgent safeguarding services. It will collaborate with partners to develop a shared understanding of emerging needs and local thresholds, providing support and challenge as needed. Additionally, the role contributes to the strategic development of the service as part of the Children's Services Management Team, ensuring readiness for inspections and deputising for Assistant Directors as required.
Main duties of the job
You will play a key role in developing Oxfordshire's approach to Families First, as well as developing our family hubs and promoting early help and prevention initiatives across the county. We seek an enthusiastic and passionate individual to join a dedicated team of service managers, providing impactful, child-focused support and interventions for children and families in Oxfordshire. A full driving license and flexibility to work countywide are essential. The role requires a recognized social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
About us
Oxfordshire Children's Services is a family safeguarding authority committed to strength-based working with children and families, underpinned by motivational interviewing, trauma-informed, and restorative practices. We received a 'good' rating in our last ILACS Ofsted inspection. Oxfordshire is a diverse county with vibrant towns, rural landscapes, historical sites, cultural events, and prestigious academic institutions. Our organization is innovative, supportive, flexible, and dedicated to helping staff achieve their ambitions. We embrace new ideas and foster a culture of innovation.
Job responsibilities
Help Shape the Future for Oxfordshire's Children
About us
Oxfordshire Children's Services is a family safeguarding authority focused on strength-based working, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed, and restorative practices. We are proud of our 'good' Ofsted rating. Oxfordshire offers a diverse environment with rich cultural and historical assets. Our organization values innovation and supports staff development.
About the role
We have implemented the Family Safeguarding Model across children's services and are developing responses to social care reform and the Family First government initiative. This partnership-focused role aims to improve our MASH and enhance collaboration within the Family First agenda, co-designing with children, young people, and families.
The Service Manager will oversee the operational management of Early Help, LCSS, and MASH teams, ensuring legislation compliance and strategic alignment with the Early Help and Prevention Strategy, particularly regarding Family Hubs. The role involves leading MASH and LCSS operations, working closely with social care and partner agencies, managing resources, and ensuring standards are met to deliver positive outcomes.
The role also includes managing performance, ensuring effective responses to safeguarding needs, collaborating with partners on emerging needs and thresholds, and contributing to the strategic development of the service as part of the Children's Services Management Team. The post also involves joint leadership of LCSS and MASH to promote early intervention and support access to services.
About you
You will be vital in developing Oxfordshire's Families First approach, family hubs, and early intervention strategies. We seek an enthusiastic, passionate individual with a proven track record in leading outcome-focused services. A full driving license and flexibility to work countywide are required. The post requires a recognized social work qualification and registration with Social Work England. For an informal discussion, contact Delia Mann, Deputy Director for Countywide Services, at Delia.Mann@Oxfordshire.gov.uk.
* Relocation expenses of up to £8,000
* A good to outstanding OFSTED rating
* Regular training opportunities
* A flexible, agile organization
* 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Culture of flexible working
* Technology to support agile working where role permits
* Option to buy additional holiday
* 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme including health and wellbeing support
* Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer contribution of up to 19.9%
* Enhanced family-friendly policies
* Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
* Great learning and development opportunities
How to apply
Complete an online application form explaining how you meet the requirements and criteria. Attach a cover letter or CV if desired. For application issues, contact the Recruitment Team via the Recruitment Application Enquiry Form on the homepage.
Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We value a diverse workforce and support staff networks for peer support, education, and safe spaces. We guarantee interviews for disabled applicants meeting essential criteria, care leavers with further education, and those transitioning from HM Armed Forces within three years of service.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding children, young people, and adults, and expect all employees to share this commitment. Recruitment practices reflect these values.
Flexible Working
We support flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time, part-time, job sharing, nine-day fortnights, and annualized hours, depending on role requirements.
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Person Specification
General Requirements
* Please refer to the job description above
* Please refer to the job description above
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A disclosure check will be required to identify any criminal convictions.
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