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. 

As a Social Worker in the MASH Team you will need to be able to process contacts within 24-hours 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 are currently working in a hybrid way with Social Workers on a rota basis in the office 2 weeks out of 3.  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 0 - 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

Please go to www.wokingham.gov.uk/why-wokingham-childrens-services for more information about Our Offer.

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

This vacancy will close 11pm, Sunday 2^nd April 

Interviews will take place on the 19^th and 20^th April.

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.