At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact, processing referrals and supporting children’s services.
- Company: Join Havering Council's dynamic Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a vibrant community with excellent transport links.
- Why this job: Make an impact in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in maths and English; experience in fast-paced children's services preferred.
The predicted salary is between 29500 - 32500 £ per year.
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled MASH Contact and Referral Officer to join our Multi‑Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)/Front Door team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people by delivering high‑quality intervention within social care services in line with statutory requirements and best practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Acting as the first point of contact for service users and professionals, providing a high‑quality response.
- Processing new referrals and information requests accurately and within statutory timescales.
- Maintaining and quality‑assuring IT systems and records for data accuracy.
- Managing duty phones, triaging calls, and signposting to appropriate services.
- Working collaboratively within a multi‑agency team to ensure effective communication and integrated service delivery.
- Providing administrative support, including procurement, bookings, and correspondence.
- Handling confidential information in line with GDPR and Data Protection regulations.
- Prioritising workloads and covering other service areas when required.
- Supporting operational efficiency and resolving issues promptly.
- Occasional travel for meetings and flexibility to work outside normal office hours.
- Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in line with council policies.
About You
Qualifications: Educated to GCSE standard, inclusive of maths and English, or level 2 equivalent.
Experience: Experience of working in Children’s Services in a similar, fast‑paced role; experience of processing complex information utilising ICT systems; experience of effective partnership and multi‑agency work.
Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex information that can be understood easily by Social Care colleagues; extensive experience and proficiency using Microsoft Office software suite and other IT applications; ability to work to tight deadlines and prioritise workload; ability to work independently and as part of a team; adaptability and flexibility; strong attention to detail.
Contact & Application
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact ingrid.doherty@havering.gov.uk or erika.merchant@havering.gov.uk. The closing date for the receipt of applications is 29/12/25; we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Helpdesk on 01708 432770.
Additional Information
We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than 2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role. We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
About Us
With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit. By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start‑ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.
MASH Referral & Contact Officer employer: London Borough of Havering
At the London Borough of Havering, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values diversity and fosters a supportive work culture. As a Section 20 Consultation Officer, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. Our commitment to transparency and customer-focused service ensures that you will be part of a dedicated team striving for continuous improvement and excellence in public service.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Havering Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land MASH Referral & Contact Officer
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at London Borough of Havering.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from London Borough of Havering!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like London Borough of Havering, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at London Borough of Havering or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace MASH Referral & Contact Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to London Borough of Havering:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Havering! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Havering
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
