Decision Maker - MASH in Northampton

Northampton, United Kingdom | Posted on 01/09/2026

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Job Description

MASH Decision Maker – 3 Month Contract

Location: Northamptonshire Children's Trust, Criminal Justice Centre, 700 Pavilion Drive, Northampton, NN4 7SL

Contract: 3 Month Contract

Working Pattern: Hybrid – 1 Day Office Based & 1.5 Days Remote (Subject to Service Needs)

DBS: Enhanced DBS Required

Summary

We are seeking a skilled MASH Decision Maker to join the Northamptonshire Children's Trust, contributing significantly to the safeguarding of children. This role is positioned at the forefront of Children's Services within a dynamic Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). You will be responsible for evaluating contacts and referrals, collaborating with partner agencies to gather essential information, assessing risks, and making critical decisions to ensure timely and appropriate support for children. This position is well-suited for a seasoned safeguarding professional with extensive experience in children's social care, child protection, and threshold decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and process incoming referrals and contacts.
  
• Collect and assess information from partner agencies.
  
• Make informed and defensible decisions within statutory deadlines.
  
• Conduct threshold decision-making and assess safeguarding risks.
  
• Identify suitable interventions and service responses.
  
• Ensure referral decisions are made within 24 hours when necessary.
  
• Deliver high-quality casework decisions and oversee referral information.
  
• Collaborate effectively with MASH partners and multi-agency professionals.
  
• Support the development of effective safety plans for children and families.
  
• Keep children's experiences and voices central to decision-making.
  
• Advocate for relationship-based and strengths-focused practices.
  
• Offer safeguarding advice and professional guidance to partner agencies.
  
• Contribute to improved outcomes for children, young people, and families.
  

Requirements

Requirements:

• Extensive experience in Children's Social Care.
  
• Strong background in safeguarding and child protection.
  
• MASH
  
• Assessment Teams
  
• Duty Teams
  
• Child Protection Services
  
• Proficiency in screening referrals and making threshold decisions.
  
• Strong skills in risk assessment and analysis.
  
• Ability to make timely and balanced safeguarding decisions.
  
• Experience in a multi-agency setting.
  
• In-depth knowledge of:
  • Children's Social Care legislation
    
  • Safeguarding procedures
    
  • Working Together guidance
    
  • Child Protection processes
    
• Excellent communication and partnership-working abilities.
  
• Capacity to challenge appropriately and exercise professional judgment.
  
• Dedication to achieving positive outcomes for children and families.
  
• Previous experience as a MASH Decision Maker.
  
• Experience in supervisory or practice leadership roles.
  
• Awareness of current developments in children's safeguarding and social care practices.
  

What's on Offer?

• 3 Month Contract
  
• Hybrid Working
  
• 1 Day Office-Based / 1.5 Days Remote
  
• Enhanced DBS Required
  
• Location: Northampton
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to work at the forefront of Children's Services.
  
• Engaging, multi-agency safeguarding environment.
  
• Impactful role influencing outcomes for vulnerable children and families.
  

Ideal for candidates with experience as a MASH Decision Maker, Senior Social Worker, Advanced Practitioner, MASH Social Worker, Duty Social Worker, Assessment Social Worker, Child Protection Practitioner, or Front Door Practitioner.
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