Early Help Team Leader - MASH

5 Month Contract With A Local Authority


Job Purpose

To lead and manage the Early Help function within Dudley's Front Door (MASH) Service, ensuring children, young people and families receive the right support at the right time through effective multi-agency decision-making, threshold management and early intervention.

The postholder will provide leadership, quality assurance and performance oversight across Early Help services, ensuring consistent application of thresholds, robust safeguarding practices and strong partnership working. As part of the Front Door Leadership Team, the role will contribute to the strategic development and continuous improvement of Early Help provision across Dudley Children's Services.



Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

  • Lead and manage the Early Help function within the Front Door Service.
  • Provide management oversight for contacts requiring an Early Help response.
  • Support, coach and develop staff through supervision, reflective practice and performance management.
  • Promote a culture of high-quality practice, accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Support workforce development and professional learning.

Threshold Decision-Making & Safeguarding

  • Ensure robust and consistent threshold decision-making across the Front Door.
  • Support children and families to access appropriate services at the earliest opportunity.
  • Ensure safeguarding concerns are identified, assessed and responded to appropriately.
  • Maintain compliance with statutory guidance, safeguarding procedures and local protocols.
  • Provide professional challenge and oversight where required.

Multi-Agency Working

  • Lead effective partnership working with:
    • Children's Social Care
    • Education Services
    • Health Professionals
    • Police
    • Early Help Providers
    • Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations
  • Promote effective information sharing and collaborative working practices.
  • Build and maintain strong multi-agency relationships to improve outcomes for children and families.

Performance & Quality Assurance

  • Monitor service demand, performance indicators and outcomes.
  • Use data and performance information to identify trends and drive improvement.
  • Lead quality assurance activities including:
    • Case Audits
    • Practice Reviews
    • Thematic Audits
    • Learning Reviews
  • Identify opportunities for service improvement and implement effective solutions.

Service Development

  • Contribute to governance, reporting and strategic service development.
  • Support the ongoing development of Front Door and Early Help services.
  • Ensure services remain effective, efficient and focused on positive outcomes.
  • Promote innovation and best practice across the service.


Requirements

Essential

  • Significant experience within:
    • MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub)
    • Front Door Services
    • Early Help Services
    • Children's Social Care
    • Safeguarding Services
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Safeguarding Procedures
    • Early Intervention Frameworks
    • Threshold Decision-Making
    • Multi-Agency Working
    • Children's Services Legislation
  • Experience managing or leading teams within Children's Services.
  • Experience of quality assurance, auditing and performance management.
  • Ability to analyse complex information and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
  • Experience driving service improvements and managing change.
  • Ability to motivate, support and develop staff.
  • Strong partnership working experience.

Desirable

  • Previous Team Manager, Early Help Manager or Front Door Management experience.
  • Experience within a Local Authority MASH environment.
  • Relevant management qualification.
  • Social Work qualification or related professional qualification.


Additional Information

  • Location: Cable Plaza, Dudley (Hybrid Working)
  • Hours Per Week: 37 Hours
  • Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments


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