Social Worker – MASH

Job Title: Agency Decision Maker/Social Worker – MASH
Rate: £36 per hour
Location: Criminal Justice Centre, Northampton (Hybrid – 3 days in the office per week)
Contract Type: Locum contract

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced social worker for a Decision Maker role to join our Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) team. You will play a vital role in assessing referrals, determining thresholds, and ensuring children and families receive timely and appropriate interventions.

This role is entirely static – no home visits required – and involves working closely with other professionals and agencies to safeguard children.

Key Responsibilities

  • Triaging referrals received into MASH.

  • Carrying out MASH enquiries, including liaising with parents and partner agencies.

  • Making threshold recommendations (e.g. whether assessment is required).

  • Providing direction to MASH Officers (call handlers).

  • Ensuring all decisions are made in line with statutory thresholds and safeguarding procedures.

  • Working collaboratively with internal and external agencies to support effective safeguarding outcomes.

Requirements

  • Strong understanding of child protection and children’s social care.

  • Ability to assess information quickly, apply thresholds, and make robust, defensible decisions.

  • Confident communicator, able to engage with parents, professionals, and partner agencies.

  • Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, multi-agency environment.

  • 3 years permanent experience in a local authority social work role

What’s on Offer

  • £36 per hour – fixed rate (non-negotiable).

  • Hybrid working model: 3 days office-based at the Criminal Justice Centre, Northampton.

  • A supportive, multi-agency environment where your expertise will directly impact safeguarding outcomes.

How to Apply
If you are an experienced social worker with strong MASH experience, please send your CV to fthomas@sheldon-phillips.com or call 07595 414 227.