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- Tasks: Lead a team managing children's social care referrals and ensure timely support for families.
- Company: Join Middlesbrough Borough Council, dedicated to safeguarding children and improving community outcomes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive hourly rate and the chance to make a real difference in children's lives.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative environment, working with police, health, and education professionals.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with substantial experience in children's social care.
- Other info: This is a temporary, full-time role with opportunities for professional growth.
Middlesbrough Borough Council is seeking an experienced and effective MACH Service Manager to lead the Multi-Agency Children's Hub (MACH). This senior role is responsible for managing the front door of children's social care, overseeing the screening, triage, and decision-making process for referrals concerning children aged 0-18.
The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring children and families receive the right support at the right time, working closely with key partners including police, health, and education professionals.
Key Responsibilities- Provide strong leadership and management to a team of social workers and referral officers.
- Oversee the daily operation of the MACH, ensuring timely and appropriate responses to incoming referrals.
- Ensure all decisions meet statutory requirements and reflect best safeguarding practices.
- Lead effective multi-agency information sharing and joint decision-making.
- Monitor performance and quality of practice within the team, addressing any issues and supporting continuous improvement.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal departments and external partners.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, local procedures, and safeguarding protocols.
- Qualified Social Worker (e.g., BA Social Work, DipSW, CQSW).
- Registered with Social Work England.
- Enhanced DBS clearance.
- Substantial post-qualification experience within children's social care, particularly in a MASH/MACH or safeguarding setting.
- Proven experience in team or service management.
- Strong knowledge of relevant legislation including the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance, and GDPR.
- Demonstrated ability to manage risk and make defensible, child-centred decisions under pressure.
- Excellent interpersonal, organisational, and analytical skills.
If you are a confident and experienced leader with a passion for safeguarding and improving outcomes for children, this could be the ideal opportunity for you.
Contact Detail:
Randstad Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land MACH Service Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and needs of children's social care in Middlesbrough. Understanding local issues will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness to tackle them during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in the Multi-Agency Children's Hub or similar roles. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to a referral, which can significantly boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure environments. Be ready with examples that showcase your ability to make child-centred decisions while ensuring compliance with safeguarding protocols.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current legislation and best practices in children's social care. Being knowledgeable about recent changes or initiatives can set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and well-informed.
We think you need these skills to ace MACH Service Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the MACH Service Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in children's social care and team management.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your substantial post-qualification experience within children's social care, particularly in MASH/MACH or safeguarding settings. Provide specific examples of how you've led teams and managed referrals effectively.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Demonstrate your leadership and management skills by detailing your experience in overseeing teams and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. Mention any successful initiatives you have led that improved outcomes for children and families.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a senior role like this.
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Care
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a MACH Service Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a team, managed conflicts, or improved processes. This will show your potential employer that you can effectively guide a team of social workers and referral officers.
✨Understand Relevant Legislation
Familiarise yourself with key legislation such as the Children Act 1989 and 2004, as well as the Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance. Be ready to discuss how these laws impact decision-making in children's social care, as this knowledge is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to make defensible, child-centred decisions under pressure. Think through potential situations you might face in the role and how you would handle them, focusing on safeguarding practices and multi-agency collaboration.
✨Demonstrate Your Interpersonal Skills
Strong interpersonal skills are essential for this role, especially when working with various partners. Be prepared to discuss how you've built and maintained relationships in previous roles, and how you plan to foster collaboration within the Multi-Agency Children's Hub.
