Social Worker - Families First MASH in Gateshead

Salary £40,444 - £46,579 + a temporary 5% R&R allowance

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Families First: working alongside families to create lasting change.

At Gateshead Council, we are ambitious for our children, young people and families. As part of our Families First transformation, we are bringing together social work, family help and key partner agencies within one integrated front door to ensure children receive the right support, at the right time, from the right service.

Our Families First Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (FF MASH) sits at the centre of this approach. Bringing together colleagues from Social Care, Family Help, Police, Health, Education, Probation and Domestic Abuse services, the FF MASH provides a coordinated response to concerns about children and families. By sharing information, expertise and professional insight, we make timely, informed decisions that keep children safe, identify family strengths and ensure support is delivered as early as possible.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a service that is helping shape the future of safeguarding and early intervention in Gateshead.

Working together to help families thrive.

As a MASH Social Worker, you will be at the heart of safeguarding decision-making for children and families.

What you will get to do:

• Screen and analyse contacts and referrals relating to children and families.
• Gather, evaluate and interpret information from a range of partner agencies.
• Assess risk, harm, vulnerability, strengths and protective factors to inform decision-making.
• Apply threshold guidance and statutory safeguarding requirements appropriately.
• Contribute social work expertise to multi-agency discussions and decision-making processes.
• Work collaboratively with Family Help Practitioners and partner agencies to identify the most appropriate support pathways.
• Make timely, evidence-informed recommendations regarding interventions and safeguarding responses.
• Escalate concerns where urgent action is required to protect children.
• Ensure decisions are clearly recorded and supported by robust professional analysis.
• Influence children's journeys at the earliest possible stage, helping to secure the right support at the right time.
• Promote prevention, family-led solutions and early intervention whenever appropriate.
• Help improve outcomes for children and families through effective partnership working.

Why This Role Matters

Every contact received by the FF MASH has the potential to change the course of a child's life. As a MASH Social Worker, you will play a vital role in identifying risk, recognising family strengths and ensuring children and families receive the most appropriate response at the earliest opportunity. Your analysis, professional judgement and safeguarding expertise will directly influence decisions that help keep children safe and improve outcomes across Gateshead.

If you are passionate about safeguarding children, value strong multi-agency working and want to be part of an ambitious Families First service, we would love to hear from you.

One team. One front door. Better outcomes for children and families.

What you will bring:

• Social Work England registration and experience of working with children and families within a safeguarding environment.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and best practice.
• Excellent assessment, analytical and decision-making skills.
• Confidence in identifying risk, understanding thresholds and applying professional judgement.
• The ability to understand, analyse and articulate a child's lived experience.
• Experience of effective partnership working with a range of agencies and professionals.
• Strong communication skills, professional curiosity and a strengths-based approach that recognises family resilience and promotes positive outcomes

If successful you will have to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience. Salary £40,444 - £46,579 + a temporary 5% R&R allowance
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

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