Experienced or Senior Social Worker, MASH Team, Children's Services (Perm)

Wokingham Children’s Services are looking to recruit an experienced Social Worker in the MASH Team on a Permanent Basis. The MASH Team is a fast-paced team and the Single Front Door into Children’s Services and Early Help, the role represents the wider service and is often the first point of contact for families, members of the public and professionals. Strong relational skills are key to respond to others in need, and sometimes in crisis. Most of the work undertaken will be on the phone, however the team also have a walk in service, should a family wish to present to the office for advice and support.

As a Social Worker in the MASH Team you will need to be able to process contacts within timescales and as part of this role you will speak to members of the public, professionals, and family members and provide detailed analyses and recommendations about next steps for families and complete safety planning as required.  The MASH Team completes robust work at the front door to ensure that the correct level of support and intervention is provided, in line with the Threshold document. 

The correct candidate for this role will need to have great inter-personal skills, excellent recording skills, and a sound knowledge of children’s legislation and thresholds – as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and be able to multi-task.  The MASH Team is currently working in a hybrid way with Social Workers on a rota basis. We need to have social work presence in the office – so a level of flexibility is required.

Social Workers in Wokingham are valued for the important and challenging work they undertake and will find an environment where their learning and development is promoted and supported. 

The Social Worker role – You will work as part of a dynamic and multi-agency team assessing safeguarding notifications and requests for early help regarding children aged prebirth - 18.  Your focus will be on gathering relevant information, in order to interpret and analyse strengths and safety, harm and danger to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child/young person.

The MASH team is home to representatives from our partner agencies including Police and Health and refers to the virtual links we have with Housing, Probation, Education and Cranstoun Domestic Abuse & Substance Misuse Services. The right candidate must work collaboratively with these agencies to make sure the child’s voice is evident through the work completed.

This is a fast-paced team and requires committed and resilient social workers to rise to the challenge of this role!

Wokingham Borough Council is based in Wokingham Town Centre, an attractive market town in Berkshire, with excellent road and rail links and is easily accessible from London and Reading.  The Borough has good schools and low levels of crime and the town is attractive to families and residents, who enjoy a high quality of life.

What we can offer you:-

• Manageable caseloads and supportive management
• Excellent Learning & Development and Career Progression programme
• Generous Annual Leave allowance
• Flexible work
• Enhanced Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A number of discount and benefit schemes

We are keen to hear from those that are flexible, dynamic and willing to work with safe uncertainty, to achieve the best outcomes for our children.

For more information or an informal discussion about the role please contact Jennifer Vanderheyden at jennifer.vanderheyden@wokingham.gov.uk

Closing date: Sun 29th June at 11pm.

Interviews: 2nd & 3rd July in person, in Wokingham.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

WBC is an equal opportunities employer.