Childrens Practitioner

Job Title:

Children's Practitioners – MASH

Salary: £31,537 progressing to £34,434 pa (pay increase pending)
Hours: 37.0
Location: Stevenage (office based)
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Children’s Services

The Multi‑Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is a partnership of Police, Probation, Safeguarding Nurses and Children’s Services. We collaborate to protect vulnerable children in Hertfordshire and manage concerns and referrals from the public and professionals. The team also contributes to the Gateway triage service for families, providing timely, appropriate support to families and professionals.

Working as part of Hertfordshire’s Front Door team, you will be the key contact for concerns raised from various sources. You will record essential details, assess risk levels, and support decision‑making to ensure children and families receive the appropriate safeguarding or early help services. The work involves gathering information largely over the telephone, maintaining accurate records in computerised systems, attending team meetings and collaborating with professionals to achieve the best outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.

• Previous experience working with children and families (no specific qualifications required).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and good computer literacy.
• Ability to work autonomously while being a team player.
• Strong organisational skills – prioritise and complete work within set timescales.
• Sound analytical skills to formulate robust recommendations and plans.
• Effective rapport‑building and professional curiosity.
• Maintain high quality of work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Maintain accurate records in computerised systems.
• Disability‑confident, provide interview opportunities for candidates meeting the minimum criteria.
• Requirement for a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Driving required – ability to travel within Hertfordshire by own vehicle or company car.
• Fluent spoken English – for those using sign language a suitable interpreter will be provided.

• Experience of SEND.
• Specialisms such as child exploitation or contextualised safeguarding.

Competitive salary progression, local government pension scheme, professional development opportunities and the chance to work in an “Outstanding” rated local authority.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

This role requires a valid Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.