Consultant Social Worker - MASH

Consultant Social Worker

Position: Consultant Social Worker
Rate: £38 per hour
Location: Staffordshire
Type: Agency Position

Are you an experienced Social Worker looking to step into a leadership role? We are seeking a skilled Consultant Social Worker to join our team, providing expert guidance and direction in the delivery of Children’s Statutory Services. This agency position offers a competitive hourly rate and the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping and supporting best practices within the Children’s Advice and Duty (CHAD) Team.

Job Purpose:

As a Consultant Social Worker, you will serve as a professional practitioner, authorized to direct and oversee casework within the Children’s Statutory Services. Your role will involve providing expertise in complex service delivery areas and supporting CHAD Team Managers as part of the management team.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Management:

  • Engage with partners to listen, discuss, and negotiate pathways for children, ensuring their needs are met and safe decisions are made promptly.
  • Chair Strategy Discussions and represent the team in MARAC, MAPPA, and other multi-agency meetings to secure professional agreement and the best outcomes for children and families.
  • Develop and take on a specialist role in specific practice areas such as Child Sexual Exploitation, Child Criminal Exploitation, Missing Children, Female Genital Mutilation, Domestic Abuse, and more.

Performance:

  • Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures. Contribute to the development and refinement of procedures and policies as needed.
  • Lead efforts to ensure that teams learn from serious case reviews and audits, improving practices and outcomes for children and families.
  • Serve as a positive role model, promoting and maintaining high standards of professional social work practice across the team.
  • Mentor and support Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSW), ASYE Social Workers, students, and other team members, fostering professional development and consistent good practice.
  • Conduct case audits and participate in safeguarding and other types of audits.
  • Lead initial investigations into Child Protection referrals and initiate statutory protective actions when required.
  • Intervene effectively in crisis situations and explore alternatives to accommodating children and young people.
  • Consult with the on-call manager on critical issues and escalate concerns about ineffective safeguarding arrangements within or outside the service.

Resource Management:

  • Ensure clear, concise, and accurate record-keeping and maintain good file management practices across the team.
  • Provide advice, guidance, and coaching to partner agencies and other Children’s Services teams.

Communications:

  • Report urgent issues to the Team Manager or Service Manager, particularly those likely to attract press or public interest.
  • Liaise with internal and external agencies to provide information and support to children and their families, encouraging their participation in the process.
  • Gather and report feedback from children, parents, team members, and multi-agency partners to contribute to improving practices and procedures.
  • Ensure that all partner agencies consider consent and take a holistic approach to family issues and needs.

Why Join Us?

  • Competitive hourly rate of £38.
  • Leadership role with significant impact on service delivery and outcomes for children.
  • Collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional development and mentorship.

Requirements:

  • Proven experience in a senior social work role, with a strong understanding of statutory children’s services.
  • Expertise in complex case management and a track record of ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and policies.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
  • Ability to work effectively within a multi-agency framework.
     

If you are a driven and experienced social worker ready to take on a leadership role, we want to hear from you. Apply today and make a difference in the lives of children and families.

For more information, contact Emily Cooper at 07902 371 315 or email ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com