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Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

An opportunity is available for a qualified children’s social worker to join a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) team in Luton. This is a fast-paced role focused on responding to safeguarding concerns, assessing risk and ensuring that children and families receive the right support at the right time.

You will screen and assess referrals from professionals, families and members of the public, gathering relevant information from partner agencies including education, health, police and other services. You will analyse information, identify risks and protective factors, and make clear, evidence-based recommendations about the most appropriate response. This may include signposting to early help, arranging further assessment or progressing cases in line with safeguarding procedures.

The role involves completing timely and proportionate assessments, contributing to strategy discussions and making sound decisions in situations that may be complex or high risk. You will maintain accurate, detailed and confidential case records, prepare reports, participate in meetings and communicate effectively with children, parents, carers and professionals. You will also contribute to improving practice, sharing information appropriately and promoting positive outcomes for children.

Applicants must hold a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. Recent experience in children’s social care, safeguarding, assessment or a MASH setting is essential, together with a sound understanding of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and child protection procedures. You should be confident managing competing priorities, working under pressure and exercising professional judgement while maintaining a child-centred approach.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, alongside the ability to work collaboratively within a multi-agency environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate resilience, professional curiosity, sound analytical ability and a commitment to anti-discriminatory practice. A current enhanced DBS clearance, or willingness to obtain one, will be required. The role may involve flexible working arrangements and participation in relevant meetings outside standard office hours.

An experienced and committed Assistant Team Manager is required to support a Children and Families service in Bedfordshire. This is an opportunity for a qualified social work professional to help deliver safe, effective and child-centred services to children, young people and their families.

You will support the Team Manager with the day-to-day leadership of a social work team, helping to ensure that assessments, plans and interventions are completed to a high standard and within relevant timescales. You will provide guidance on complex cases, promote effective decision-making and contribute to a consistent approach to safeguarding, risk management and permanence planning.

The role will involve supervising and supporting social workers, reviewing casework, quality assuring records and encouraging reflective practice. You will help colleagues to identify children’s needs, strengths and risks, ensuring that their voices remain central to assessment and planning. You may also assist with strategy discussions, child protection processes, looked-after children reviews, care planning and court-related work.

Working collaboratively with families, schools, health professionals, legal services and other partner agencies, you will promote positive outcomes and effective multi-agency practice. You will contribute to service development, performance monitoring and the implementation of policies, procedures and quality standards. The ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a clear focus on safeguarding is essential.

Applicants must hold a recognised social work qualification and current Social Work England registration, with substantial post-qualifying experience in children’s social care. Experience of supervising or mentoring social workers, managing complex safeguarding cases and applying relevant legislation and statutory guidance is highly desirable. You should have excellent communication, analytical and report-writing skills, sound professional judgement and a commitment to anti-discriminatory practice.

This role offers the chance to make a meaningful difference while supporting a skilled and developing team. A valid driving licence and access to suitable transport may be required, subject to reasonable adjustments.

We are seeking a dedicated Children’s SEND Officer to support children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to achieve positive educational and personal outcomes. This is an opportunity to play a key role in coordinating statutory processes and ensuring that children, young people and their families receive timely, person-centred support.

You will manage a caseload of children and young people with SEND, coordinating Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments, plans, amendments and annual reviews. You will work closely with families, schools, early years settings, colleges, health professionals, social care teams and other partner agencies to gather information, identify needs and ensure appropriate provision is arranged and reviewed.

The role will involve preparing clear, accurate and legally compliant documentation, monitoring timescales, maintaining detailed case records and contributing to effective decision-making. You will explain processes and entitlements in an accessible way, provide constructive advice, and help resolve concerns professionally and sensitively. You will also contribute to improving practice, promoting inclusion and supporting the effective use of resources.

The successful candidate will have experience of working with children, young people and families in an education, social care, health or related setting, together with a sound understanding of SEND legislation, statutory guidance and person-centred planning. You will be confident managing competing priorities, meeting deadlines and working independently while contributing positively to a multi-disciplinary team.

Excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills are essential, as is the ability to build trusted relationships with a wide range of people. You should be able to analyse information, make balanced recommendations and produce accurate written work. A commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and improving outcomes for children and young people is vital.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to families while contributing to a coordinated, inclusive and high-quality SEND service.

Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.