Social Worker - MASH in Hereford

Salary: £36,363 - £40,777, plus £5,000 market supplement

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37 per week

Location: Hereford

Welcome payment: £10,000 (subject to guidance)

Relocation support: Up to £10,000 available

Herefordshire Council is seeking an experienced Children’s Social Worker to join its Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on a permanent basis. This is an opportunity to join a front-door safeguarding service where timely decision-making, strong multi-agency working and early intervention all play a critical role in achieving better outcomes for children and families.

At Herefordshire, social work is underpinned by a restorative approach which is firmly established across the service. Practice is shaped by collaboration, reflection and relationship-based working, with visible management support available when complex cases and challenging decisions arise.

If you are looking for a role where your analysis, professional judgement and safeguarding expertise can have an immediate impact, this is a strong opportunity to be part of a skilled and supportive team.

The role

As a MASH Social Worker, you will be based within Herefordshire’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, where you will play a key role in the initial response to contacts and referrals concerning children and families. Working within this fast-paced service, you will gather, assess and analyse information from a range of sources, including partner agencies, parents and carers, to identify risk, understand need and support appropriate decision-making at the earliest stage.

Your work will include:

• Reviewing and analysing referrals received from professionals, families and partner agencies
• Assessing risk and need in line with Herefordshire’s Level of Need guidance
• Providing timely and practical advice, support and signposting where appropriate
• Working closely with colleagues in police, health, education and early help
• Ensuring children are safeguarded effectively and that the right support is put in place without delay

This is a pivotal role within children’s services and would suit a practitioner who is confident, analytical and comfortable making well-informed decisions in a busy front-door environment. You will join a stable and experienced team where reflective practice, critical thinking and professional curiosity are valued. The service offers regular supervision, peer support and access to learning and development through the Social Work Academy, helping you continue to build your practice and progress your career.

About you

We are looking for a qualified and experienced Social Worker who can bring strong safeguarding knowledge, sound judgement and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people. To be considered, you should be able to demonstrate:

• A minimum of two years’ post-ASYE experience
• Previous MASH experience within statutory children’s services
• The ability to engage effectively with families and analyse information from a range of partner agencies
• Confidence in making timely recommendations and decisions in line with levels of need
• Good frontline experience working with children, young people and families
• Strong written, analytical and assessment skills
• A clear commitment to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare, wellbeing and future outcomes
• The ability to build positive and effective working relationships with colleagues, families, carers and partner agencies
• Confidence in managing complexity and making child-focused decisions in demanding situations
• A positive approach to team working, professional development and reflective practice

You must also hold:

• A recognised Social Work qualification such as Degree in Social Work, DipSW or CQSW
• Current Social Work England registration

What Herefordshire offers

Herefordshire Council offers a strong package of salary, benefits and support, including:

• Salary from £36,363 to £40,777
• Annual market supplement of £5,000
• £10,000 welcome payment subject to guidance
• Retention payment of £2,000 to £4,000, depending on team
• Relocation support of up to £10,000
• Protected time and investment in learning and professional development
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Clear opportunities for progression and career development
• 31 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• The option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
• Flexible working arrangements, including agile working, part-time working and job share where appropriate
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Payment of professional membership fees where applicable
• A staff benefits scheme offering discounts, savings and cashback across retail, travel, leisure and health

Why join Herefordshire?

Herefordshire is a historic and scenic county on the Welsh border, known for its market towns, rural communities and strong local identity. More importantly, it is a place where children’s services are continuing to invest in practice, people and improvement. The council’s priority is clear: to keep children safe and help them achieve the best possible start in life. That commitment is backed by investment in relational practice, ongoing professional development and support from experienced leaders and improvement partners.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a local authority where social workers are supported to do purposeful work and make a lasting difference to children and families. If you are an experienced practitioner looking for your next move in MASH, Herefordshire would like to hear from you.

Interested? Reach out to Emily Cooper at Sheldon Phillips for more details.