Contact and Referral Officer Lead – MASH – Children Services – Croydon Council Salary: Grade 9 £39,264-£40,833 36 hours per week Hybrid working Job Purpose The senior contact and referral officer role will support the effective functioning of the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) ensuring all contact and referral officers provide an effective and efficient service to all enquiries into the MASH. The role will ensure that processes, systems, and governance arrangements are adhered to with the effective deployment of contact and referral officers to undertake the creation of contacts for all referrals and enquiries whilst gathering information and researching relevant databases. Where required to do so, the postholder will also assist in this operational delivery. Our Service Croydon’s MASH is the ‘front door’ for all new referrals for children who may need early help support or children’s social care intervention, making important decisions about which services children need. We are the first contact many professionals, families and members of the public have with Croydon and as such we want people to receive outstanding services from the start. We are seeking to recruit into a new Senior Contact & Referral Officer role in Croydon’s MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub). As a Senior Contact & Referral Officer, you will play a key role towards delivering these outcomes and providing a high-quality service to Croydon’s residents. You will work closely alongside MASH Team Manager’s, Social Worker’s, Senior Early Help Navigator’s, and MASH partners. You will have a key role, being the first point of contact for professional referrers and residents with Croydon’s MASH. Essential Requirements Experience of working in a similar role where children’s social care or family support / early help is an element. Good knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, Children’s Social Care and Early Help including Continuum of need. Good understanding of the need to safeguard confidential information, to respect the privacy of families and colleagues. Appreciation and understanding of Cultural diversity. Knowledge of ICT systems and processes. Good knowledge of change management. Demonstrate skill in developing collaborative and effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders. Ability to prioritise, plan and delegate workload to ensure prompt and timely response to service need. Ability to use a range of databases, including EHM & CRS and input information with a high degree of accuracy. Ability to communicate information accurately and clearly – both to members of the public and professionals and colleagues within the MASH and across the practice system. Ability to identify and communicate safeguarding concerns urgently with relevant social worker / manager. Ability to motivate, influence and support a team to deliver consistently high service standards in administrative and ICT support. Willingness to undertake on-going Continued Professional Development and participate in supervision and team / service meetings. Experience of administrative work and understanding of office procedures within a busy and sensitive public environment. Experience of working in a highly pressured environment, demonstrating effective organisational skills, managing competing priorities and consistently meeting deadlines. Benefits You will be valued for your skills and expertise, supported by the team of experienced professionals, as well as the management at Croydon Council, one of the largest employers in the borough. We also offer: Highly competitive compensation package 29-31 days (grade equivalent) annual leave in addition to Bank Holidays and option to purchase more A pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 20% Continuing Professional Development – genuine opportunities to grow, develop and specialise in your career Management development programmes Investment into your wellbeing Access to Employee Discount scheme with a range of programmes (Cycle Benefit Scheme, GymFlex, Retail Discounts and more) We promote flexible & hybrid working arrangements where possible to support a healthy work-life balance Lead Contact & Referral Officer – MASH – Children Services – Croydon Council Salary: Grade 9 £40,755 - £42,324 Permanent – 36 hours per week Hybrid working Job Purpose Croydon’s MASH is the ‘front door’ for all new referrals for children who may need early help support or children’s social care intervention, making important decisions about which services children need. We are the first contact many professionals, families and members of the public have with Croydon and as such we want people to receive outstanding services from the start. The Lead Contact and Referral Officer role will support the effective functioning of the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) ensuring all Contact and Referral Officers provide an effective and efficient service to all enquiries. The successful person will directly line manage staff members and work alongside social workers, team managers and key multi-agency partners building effective relationships which supports and safeguards children and young people. About you You are an experienced Contact & Referral Officer, passionate about your work and committed to improving outcomes for children and families. Good knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, Children’s Social Care and Early Help including Continuum of need. Knowledge of ICT systems and processes. Ability to manage, motivate, influence and support your team to deliver consistently high service standards in administrative and ICT support. Demonstrate skill in developing collaborative and effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders. Ability to communicate information accurately and clearly – both to members of the public and professionals and colleagues within the MASH and across the practice system. Ability to identify and communicate safeguarding concerns urgently with relevant social worker / manager. Experience of administrative work and understanding of office procedures within a busy and sensitive public environment. Benefits You will be valued for your skills and expertise, supported by the team of experienced professionals, as well as the management at Croydon Council, one of the largest employers in the borough. We also offer: Highly competitive compensation package 29-31 days (grade equivalent) annual leave in addition to Bank Holidays and option to purchase more A pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 20% Continuing Professional Development – genuine opportunities to grow, develop and specialise in your career Management development programmes Investment into your wellbeing Access to Employee Discount scheme with a range of programmes (Cycle Benefit Scheme, GymFlex, Retail Discounts and more) We promote flexible & hybrid working arrangements where possible to support a healthy work-life balance Closing date: 16 March 2024 at 23:59pm To view the role profile, please click here Permanent full time 36hrs per week Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The Successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced barring DBS check. Additional Information