Consultant Social Worker

This role offers a great development opportunity for an existing Consultant/Senior Social Worker looking for new challenges, or for an experienced and highly competent Social Worker ready to take the next steps into management.

Working in the Suffolk MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) provides practitioners with a unique opportunity to gain experience of multi-agency working and knowledge of child protection more quickly than in almost any other setting.

This role is office-based but always dynamic, varied, fast-paced and rewarding. At times the work can be demanding and stressful, so resilience and a strong work ethic are needed to effectively manage the particular challenges of the role. However, the MASH prides itself on a strong and supportive team ethos.

You will:
- co-ordinate the routine activities of professionals working in the MASH
- model the highest professional, child-focused practice
- chair Strategy Threshold Discussions with colleagues from MASH Police, MASH Health and other professionals
- provide management oversight on the progress and quality of work within the MASH
- reach safe decisions on a range of contacts to CYPS, ensuring SB thresholds are accurately and consistently applied
- provide information, advice, or guidance to colleagues and stakeholders
- manage quality assurance processes to support high quality service standards and practice
- contribute to the leadership and management of a busy Multi-Agency team, building on effective interagency collaboration and helping to improve quality of practice with the MASH.

You will need

You will hold a relevant Social Work qualification, be registered as a qualified social worker with Social Work England and be suitably experienced in working with children and families.
You will have strong, evidence-based assessment skills, proven analytical and critical thinking and a sound working knowledge of child development, child protection, SB thresholds and Signs of Safety principles.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team
This role is hybrid working but it is expected that one of your office days is a Monday.
The MASH receives all Child referrals and Adult Safeguarding Referrals, gathering relevant partner agency information in order to determine the most appropriate course of action and to ensure referrals are passed to a children's social care team in a timely way.
Suffolk MASH also provides a Professional Consultation Line for professionals to speak to a qualified social worker or other relevant professional about the most appropriate course of action.

Empowering Everyone
We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report

Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (docx).

1. Share an experience of working collaboratively with multiple agencies to support a child or family. What challenges did you encounter and how did you overcome them?
2. Give an example of a complex case where you identified and effectively managed safeguarding risks. What steps did you take to ensure the child's safety?

£42,367 - £45,595 plus retention payment per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Permanent

At Suffolk County Council, we believe that when our people grow, our communities thrive. That's why we're looking for a passionate Consultant Social Worker to join our team. Here, you'll find more than just a job - you'll discover opportunities to develop your skills, make a meaningful impact, and reimagine what's possible. Are you ready to grow with us and shape the future of Suffolk?

Your role and responsibilities, This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you'll enjoy:

up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!