Job Title: Advanced Practitioner - MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub)
Location: Dudley, West Midlands
Hourly Rate: £33.30 per hour
About Dudley Council:
Dudley Council is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people through a restorative and strengths-based practice framework. Our Children's Front Door, incorporating the MASH, serves as the single point of contact for all safeguarding concerns, fostering a collaborative, multi-agency approach to ensure the right support at the right time for children and families in Dudley.
The Opportunity:
Are you a highly experienced and analytical Social Worker with a strong commitment to early identification and effective response to safeguarding concerns? Dudley Council is seeking a dynamic Advanced Practitioner to join our Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) team. This pivotal role offers the chance to apply your expert knowledge in a fast-paced environment, making critical decisions that directly impact the safety and well-being of children.
Key Responsibilities:
As an Advanced Practitioner in the MASH, you will:
Lead on the triaging and initial assessment of complex and high-risk safeguarding referrals, making timely and robust decisions regarding the appropriate course of action.
Provide expert advice, consultation, and challenge to social workers and multi-agency partners within the MASH regarding thresholds, risk assessment, and information sharing.
Model and facilitate high-quality, restorative social work practice, ensuring a child-focused approach within the initial stages of intervention.
Undertake thorough multi-agency information gathering and analysis to build a comprehensive picture of risk and need for children and families.
Work collaboratively with co-located professionals from various agencies, including Police, Health, Education, Early Help, and Probation, to facilitate swift and coordinated responses.
Contribute to the development and embedding of MASH processes, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and adherence to statutory guidance and local procedures.
Support and mentor less experienced practitioners within the MASH, promoting a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
Prepare clear, concise, and analytical summaries and recommendations for progression to other services or closure.
Participate in quality assurance activities and contribute to the MASH's performance monitoring and development.
Maintain accurate and meticulous records on the electronic case management system.
What We Are Looking For:
A qualified Social Worker with current registration with Social Work England.
Minimum 3 years post-qualifying experience in children's social work, with demonstrable experience within a MASH, Assessment, or Front Door service.
Expert knowledge and understanding of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance (e.g., Working Together to Safeguard Children), and thresholds for intervention.
Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to quickly assimilate complex information from various sources and make sound, risk-based professional judgments.
Proven ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment, managing competing demands and adhering to strict deadlines.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with a diverse range of professionals, parents, and children, often in sensitive circumstances.
Experience in providing consultation, mentoring, or supervision to other social workers or multi-agency colleagues.
A robust understanding of multi-agency working practices and information sharing protocols.
A valid UK driving license and access to a vehicle for occasional work purposes, if required for other duties outside the MASH.
How to Apply:
If you are an accomplished and decisive Social Worker eager to utilise your expertise within a vital safeguarding service, please submit your CV outlining your relevant MASH experience and your commitment to safeguarding children to Fahmida Ahmed at . For an informal discussion, please do not hesitate to call 07441 927663.
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