Army - Cadet Safeguarding Support Worker

Ministry Of Defence; Aldershot; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental organization is seeking Safeguarding Support Workers to manage safeguarding allegations within the Army Cadets. The role requires confidence in multi-agency collaboration and excellent communication skills. Responsibilities include processing referrals and providing administrative support to case workers. The position offers a salary of £29,580 and various benefits, including flexible working and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

25 days paid annual leave

Competitive pension scheme

Flexible working patterns

Qualifications

• Confident in multi-agency working.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Efficient and accurate with record keeping.

Responsibilities

• Processing and prioritising all referrals into the ACSH.
• Engaging with key stakeholders to gather safeguarding information.
• Providing administrative support to Safeguarding Case Workers.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Multi-agency working

Efficient record keeping

Job description

Overview

The Army Cadets is a uniformed youth organisation with 68,000 children and 11,000 dedicated adult volunteers. These volunteers support two branches: the community based Army Cadet Force (ACF) and the school-based Army Section of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF). The Army Cadets offers a rewarding, challenging, and thrilling experience that prepares children and young people for long-term success across society. The Ministry of Defence oversees the Army Cadet Force through Regional Command Cadets Branch in Aldershot. The Army Cadet Safeguarding Hub (ACSH) is responsible for safeguarding cadets, including assessing reports, creating and distributing safeguarding policies, procedures and training, and fostering a positive safeguarding culture prioritising the well-being of children.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. The ACSH based in Aldershot, Hampshire, responds to and manages safeguarding allegations and concerns raised regarding Army Cadets and its members. We require Safeguarding Support Workers who are confident in multi-agency working, have excellent communication skills, and can assist with the progress of safeguarding investigations. We expect Safeguarding Support Workers to be efficient and accurate with record keeping and able to provide sound advice to customers.

Responsibilities

• Safeguarding Support Workers are responsible for processing and prioritising all referrals into the ACSH, ensuring safeguarding concerns are recorded on specialist electronic safeguarding casework management systems.
• Engage with key stakeholders within Defence and externally to gather safeguarding information.
• Provide administrative support to Safeguarding Case Workers as they carry out enquires following allocation of cases.
• Work collaboratively with customers including children, families, volunteers and employees in the Army Cadets and with agencies such as Social Services and Police.
• Work in a child-centered way, promoting the well-being and safeguarding of children at all times.
• Act as a point of contact for safeguarding disclosures, concerns and referrals, providing advice and mentorship to others.
• Liaise with external agencies and statutory authorities as needed, capturing and sharing sensitive information appropriately.
• Review, process and update Online Safeguarding Casework Management System.
• Present summaries of new referrals in daily triage meetings to identify next steps.
• Maintain full and accurate records.
• Support referrals to Disclosure and Barring Service, Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scotland, or Access Northern Ireland as applicable.
• Provide administrative support to Case Workers, including booking transport, arranging meetings and taking minutes.
• Participate in regular supervision and seek opportunities for professional development.
• Understand and abide by data protection legislation (Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR) in relation to safeguarding casework.
• Communicate effectively with diverse groups within and outside the MoD across many grades and ranks.

Selection and Behaviours

We will assess candidates against the following behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Application evidence required: Personal Statement (500 words), CV, and Behaviour - Making Effective Decisions. A sift may focus on the lead behaviour if applications are high in number. At interview, you will be assessed on the listed behaviours.

Application Process and Requirements

Applicants will be assessed on their fit against the criteria, and the process may include interviews in person. Artificial Intelligence may be used as a tool to support applications; all examples must be truthful and from your own experience. Plagiarism may lead to rejection or disciplinary action for internal candidates.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. A Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) is available for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria. If you need adjustments for the recruitment process, contact: [e-mail].

Nationality and sponsorship: This role does not offer visa sponsorship. Applicants requiring sponsorship will not be considered. Successful candidates will be required to declare any outside interests; some interests may require mitigations. The MOD operates a zero-tolerance policy on unacceptable behaviours; pre-employment checks will be carried out.

Security and vetting: Successful candidates must undergo criminal record checks and meet security requirements. See the vetting charter and baseline checks. Applicants must meet nationality requirements as outlined by the Civil Service rules.

Benefits and Working Arrangements

We support flexible working where possible and expect office presence to be around 60% of the time. Salary is £29,580 with a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme contribution of £8,569. Other benefits include:

• 25 days paid annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years
• Competitive pension scheme (approx. 28.97% contribution)
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• Flexible working patterns for many roles
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• Volunteer leave and learning opportunities
• Modern apprenticeship options

Note: This post does not offer relocation expenses. External recruits to the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation. Travel expenses for interviews are not reimbursed. A pay allowances review may affect advertised allowances. Relocation from another employer may affect eligibility for childcare vouchers. Smoking policy: the Defence operates a Smoke-Free Working Environment.