Locum Safeguarding Senior Social Worker

Senior Social Worker – Children’s Social Care (MASH / Front Door Team)

Location: South Tyneside Council

Contract Type: Locum / Temporary

Salary: £negotiable

Start Date: ASAP

Working Pattern: Flexible hours and hybrid working available

About the Role

South Tyneside Council is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Social Worker to join our busy MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) / Front Door Team. This is a vital non–case-holding role within our Children’s Social Care service, providing expert decision-making and oversight at the initial point of contact for all safeguarding concerns and referrals.

Working in a fast-paced, multi-agency environment, you’ll play a crucial part in ensuring that children and families receive the right service at the right time. You’ll be responsible for screening and analysing incoming information, assessing levels of risk, and coordinating effective multi-agency responses to safeguard children across South Tyneside.

Main Responsibilities

 
• Screen and assess all incoming contacts and referrals to determine the most appropriate course of action in line with safeguarding thresholds.
   

• Work collaboratively with partner agencies—including health, police, education, and early help—to gather information and ensure timely, coordinated responses.
   

• Provide professional oversight, advice, and guidance to partner agencies on safeguarding and child protection matters.
   

• Make informed, evidence-based decisions to ensure children and young people receive proportionate and effective support.
   

• Contribute to strategy discussions and initial decision-making meetings where child protection concerns are identified.
   

• Ensure all actions and decisions are accurately recorded in accordance with statutory and local procedures.
   

• Promote a strengths-based, child-centred approach in all practice, ensuring that the welfare and voice of the child remain central to decision-making.
   

• Support a culture of reflection, learning, and professional development within the team.

Requirements

 
• Essential qualification: Degree in Social Work (DipSW, CQSW, CSS, or equivalent).
   

• Registration: Registered with Social Work England.
   

• Extensive post-qualifying experience in children’s social care, ideally within a MASH or Front Door service.
   

• Strong knowledge of safeguarding thresholds, legislation, and local authority procedures.
   

• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and communication skills.
   

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

• Commitment to flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

Why Join?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking local authority that values professional expertise and work-life balance. You’ll work in a collaborative multi-agency setting where your knowledge and decision-making skills will have an immediate impact on the safety and wellbeing of children and families.

Interested? Apply today to join South Tyneside Council’s MASH / Front Door Team as a Senior Social Worker and help ensure children receive the right support, at the right time.