At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub and Engage Service to support children at risk.
- Company: Join an outstanding local authority committed to improving outcomes for families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with strong multi-agency collaboration and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in safeguarding and relational practice.
The predicted salary is between 66284 - 70785 £ per year.
Salary £66,284 - £70,785 & Excellent Benefits (Pay Award Pending)
Come join an OUSTANDING Local Authority. In Rotherham we want our social workers and practitioners to feel confident in their practice and supported to manage the emotional demands of their role. Our shared vision and values to improve outcomes for children and families drive practice across our services.
We are seeking to appoint a Service Manager to provide operational leadership across the Multi‑Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and our Engage Service, which delivers intensive interventions for children at risk of entering care. Reporting to the Head of Service for First Response, you will provide leadership, direction and support to ensure the best outcomes for children at the front door and those on the edge of care.
About the Service
The Multi‑Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) sits within the First Response Service. All new information and referrals for HELP or HARM are screened within the MASH. We are proud of our strong relationships with partners who are co‑located with us. The MASH holds daily multi‑agency meetings regarding domestic abuse, with Social Care and Early Help working together alongside partners to inform timely and high‑quality decisions for children. Alongside this, the Engage Service provides intensive, targeted interventions to support children and families where there is a risk of children entering care, focusing on keeping families safely together wherever possible.
How We Will Support You
We will support you in your practice and decision‑making, so you never feel alone. Our culture of high support and high challenge provides our workforce with relevant training and learning to undertake great practice. We create space for reflection, learning from others, and constructive challenge, ensuring decisions are always in the best interests of children and families.
About the Role
As a qualified and professionally registered Social Worker with Social Work England, you will be a key member of the First Response Service, bringing experience, leadership skills, and a strong commitment to relational practice. You will hold operational responsibility for both the MASH and Engage Service, ensuring:
- Effective and timely front‑door decision‑making for all contacts and referrals.
- Strong risk management and safeguarding oversight.
- Delivery of high‑quality, performance‑driven practice across both services.
- Robust oversight of the Engage Service’s intensive interventions, ensuring children at risk of entering care receive the right support at the right time.
- Clear focus on reducing risk and preventing unnecessary care entry.
- Strong multi‑agency collaboration with partners.
Working with MASH Managers, Duty Managers, the First Response Service Manager, and partner agencies, you will ensure the effective and timely completion of work across teams and support practitioners to deliver the right service, within the right framework, at the right time.
Further Information
If you have any questions regarding this opportunity, please contact: Kevin Buck – Head of Service, First Response: Kevin.Buck@rotherham.gov.uk
Closing date: 19th July 2026
Shortlisting date: 20th July 2026
Interview date: Week commencing 27th July 2026
This post involves working with children and therefore if successful you will be required to apply for a disclosure of criminal records check at an enhanced level. Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found at www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. For further information, please visit our website.
This post is classed as 'politically restricted' under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended). The full details of the restrictions are set out in the Statutory Instrument, but broadly the restrictions prohibit candidature from public elected office; holding office in a political party; as well as involvement in political activities such as canvassing or public speaking/writing.
Head Office Riverside House Main Street Rotherham S60 1AE
Contact Details:
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager, MASH in Rotherham
✨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 Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.
✨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 Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council!
✨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 Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, 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 Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council 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 Service Manager, MASH in Rotherham
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 Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council! 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 Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
✨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.
