MASH Social Worker

Service: Children’s Social Care – Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
Location: Knowsley

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Social Worker to join the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) in Knowsley.

The MASH is the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people. You will play a critical role in screening referrals, gathering multi-agency information, assessing risk, and making timely, evidence-based decisions to safeguard children.

You will work in partnership with colleagues from police, health, education, probation, housing and other agencies to ensure children receive the right support at the right time.

Key Responsibilities

Safeguarding & Decision-Making

• Receive, screen, and assess referrals regarding children and families.

• Undertake risk assessments and make threshold decisions in line with statutory guidance.

• Determine appropriate outcomes, including Early Help, Child in Need, Child Protection, or statutory intervention.

• Identify and respond to immediate safeguarding risks.

• Ensure all decisions are timely, proportionate, and defensible.

Multi-Agency Working

• Work collaboratively within a co-located multi-agency team.

• Gather and analyse information from partner agencies including police, health, education, and probation.

• Contribute to strategy discussions and meetings.

• Share information lawfully and appropriately in line with safeguarding and data protection requirements.

Assessment & Analysis

• Analyse complex and sometimes conflicting information to assess risk and need.

• Apply professional curiosity and critical thinking to safeguard children effectively.

• Clearly document analysis, rationale, and decision-making on case management systems.

Communication & Engagement

• Communicate effectively with children, families, and professionals.

• Provide clear advice and guidance to referrers and partner agencies.

• Manage sensitive and potentially distressing information in a professional manner.

• Produce high-quality written records and reports within required timescales.

Legal & Statutory Duties

Work within relevant legislation and statutory guidance, including:

• Children Act 1989

• Children Act 2004

• Working Together to Safeguard Children

• Education Act 2002

• Human Rights Act 1998

Ensure all practice promotes the welfare, safety, and best interests of children.

Professional Standards

• Maintain registration with Social Work England.

• Practice in accordance with the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF).

• Adhere to Social Work England’s professional standards and code of conduct.

• Engage in supervision, appraisal, and continuous professional development (CPD).

Qualifications

Essential:

• Degree in Social Work (or equivalent qualification).

• Registration with Social Work England.

• Completion of Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).

Experience

Essential:

• Experience in children’s social care.

• Experience of undertaking safeguarding assessments.

• Experience applying thresholds under the Children Act 1989.

• Experience working in partnership with multi-agency professionals.

• Strong report writing and analytical skills.

Desirable:

• Previous experience working within a MASH or front-door service.

• Experience contributing to strategy discussions.

• Experience working in fast-paced, high-volume environments.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of child protection legislation and safeguarding procedures.

• Ability to assess and analyse complex information quickly and effectively.

• Excellent organisational and time management skills.

• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Confident IT skills and ability to maintain accurate electronic case records.

• Emotional resilience and the ability to manage exposure to distressing information.

Additional Information

• This is a fast-paced front-line safeguarding role.

• The role may require office-based working within the MASH environment.

• You will be expected to respond to urgent safeguarding matters as required.

• Flexibility may be required to meet service demands.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a Social Worker who:

• Demonstrates sound judgement and confident decision-making.

• Is passionate about safeguarding children and improving outcomes.

• Thrives in collaborative, multi-agency environments.

• Is resilient, reflective, and committed to high standards of practice.

• New ‘Faster Pay’ service getting you paid more quickly
• Twice weekly payroll
• Free DBS and compliance service
• Your own dedicated friendly consultant with extensive social work knowledge
• Access to a wide selection of social work positions across the UK