At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to safeguard children and support families in need.
- Company: Havering Council, committed to child welfare and community support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, training opportunities, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Supportive environment with strong focus on professional development and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in children's social care.
The predicted salary is between 53172 - 53172 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and committed Social Worker to join our Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
This is a vital frontline role, working at the point where information, concerns and referrals are received, screened and progressed. You will play an important part in identifying risk, analysing information and supporting timely decision-making so that children are safeguarded and families are connected to the most appropriate support.
As a Social Worker in MASH, you will work within a fast-paced multi-agency environment, considering contacts and referrals in line with thresholds, statutory duties, local procedures and safeguarding guidance. You will gather and analyse information from children’s social care records and partner agencies, identify strengths, needs and risks, and contribute to clear, proportionate and defensible recommendations about next steps.
You will work closely with colleagues across children’s social care, early help, education, health, police, housing and other partner agencies to ensure that information is shared appropriately and that decisions are timely, child-centred and evidence-informed. Your practice will be rooted in professional curiosity, sound judgement and a clear focus on safeguarding children while recognising family strengths and opportunities for early intervention.
Havering offers a supportive and learning-focused environment, with regular supervision, strong management oversight and access to continuous professional development through our Social Care Academy. This is an excellent opportunity for a Social Worker who is confident in assessment, risk analysis and multi-agency working, and who wants to make a meaningful contribution at the front door of children’s safeguarding.
About You
You will be a motivated, reflective and committed Social Worker with a strong understanding of safeguarding, thresholds and the importance of timely decision-making at the front door. You will be confident working in a fast-paced statutory environment, balancing professional curiosity, empathy and clear risk analysis to support safe and proportionate outcomes for children and families.
You will be a qualified Social Worker, holding a CQSW, Diploma in Social Work or equivalent qualification, and be registered with Social Work England. You will have relevant post-qualifying experience within children’s social care, with the ability to apply legislation, statutory guidance, threshold guidance and local safeguarding procedures confidently within your day-to-day practice.
You will have experience of undertaking high-quality assessments, screening information, analysing risk and making clear recommendations. You will be able to consider information from a range of sources, identify patterns and concerns, and use evidence to inform decisions about whether children require early help, statutory assessment, safeguarding intervention or signposting to other services.
You will demonstrate strong communication and relationship-building skills, enabling you to work effectively with colleagues and partners across education, health, police, housing, early help and commissioned services. You will be confident contributing to professional discussions, sharing information appropriately and recording clear, concise and analytical rationale for decisions.
As part of Havering’s ongoing improvement journey, we are looking for Social Workers who are open to learning, reflective in their practice and committed to continuous improvement. You will be receptive to supervision, feedback and quality assurance processes, and motivated to contribute positively to a MASH service that is focused on timely, safe and child-centred decision-making.
Non-negotiable Qualities
- A strong commitment to safeguarding children and promoting positive outcomes
- Confidence in analysing information, risk and thresholds at the point of referral
- The ability to work with complexity, uncertainty and urgency in a thoughtful and balanced way
- Strong written recording skills, with clear rationale for decisions and recommendations
- Professional curiosity, resilience and accountability
- A willingness to contribute to service improvement and effective multi-agency working
Benefits
- We value our employees, who are the driving force in our improvement journey.
- We are a family-friendly employer and welcome applications for part-time roles at 0.5 full time equivalent.
- £4,000 annual market supplement payment for Social Workers, Advanced Practitioners, Team Managers and Service Manager.
- A tailored training programme along with development opportunities through our very own dedicated Social Care Academy and corporate offer of 10 days of learning per year.
- Access to accredited systemic training and in-house practice application workshops.
- A commitment to achieving and maintaining management caseloads.
- Generous local government pension scheme and leave entitlement.
- Subsidised parking at various council-owned car parks across the borough.
- Modern workplace equipped with the latest technology.
- A strong corporate health and wellbeing offer, discounted gym membership, employee assistance programme and much more.
- Annual staff recognition schemes (STAR awards and Social Care awards) celebrating and recognising staff commitment and achievement.
Closing Date 31st August 2026
Additional Information
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. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.
The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. 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.
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.
Social Worker - MASH 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 Social Worker - MASH
✨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 Social Worker - MASH
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.
