Safeguarding and Welfare Officer

Newham College of Further Education; Camden Town; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A major post-16 education provider is seeking a dedicated Safeguarding & Welfare Officer. You will support students in overcoming barriers and achieving their potential, acting as a safeguarding officer, and facilitating workshops on wellbeing and life skills. The ideal candidate has safeguarding experience, excellent communication skills, and understands the challenges faced by diverse learners.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Safeguarding and/or Mental Health First Aid trained (or willing to achieve this).
• At least 2 years' experience in safeguarding or welfare, ideally within education.
• Experience working with young people (14-19) and adults (19+).
• Understanding of challenges facing diverse learners.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with curriculum teams to provide pastoral and welfare support.
• Identify students at risk or those needing mental health support.
• Support student progression within the College.
• Plan and deliver workshops on citizenship and wellbeing.
• Encourage participation in College life and social action.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Motivational skills

Communication skills

Education

Level 2 Maths and English (or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Safeguarding & Welfare Officer to join our Student Services team at Newham College. You will play a vital part in supporting students to overcome barriers, build resilience, and achieve their full potential. Acting as a safeguarding officer, you will provide both one-to-one and group support, while also contributing to the delivery of training, workshops, and enrichment activities that promote wellbeing, British Values, and life skills.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with curriculum teams to target and provide pastoral and welfare support, dealing with an allocated caseload of students needing extra support, so that students develop the confidence and resilience needed to succeed.
• Act as part of the safeguarding team through the identification of students at risk or those experiencing mental ill health, who would benefit from support.
• Support the preparation of students for progression within and from the College.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of enrichment activities and workshops so that students develop their understanding of citizenship, British Values, physical, emotional and mental health and the importance of personal, behavioural and social skills.
• Encourage student participation in wider College life, including enrichment and social action, equipping them with the skills and attributes needed in modern society.
• The College is committed to equality of opportunity in both service delivery and employment; all employees are asked to actively support the development, dissemination and implementation of this aim and related policies.

Qualifications

• Is Level 3 Safeguarding and/or Mental Health First Aid trained (or willing to achieve this).
• Has at least 2 years' experience in safeguarding or welfare, ideally within education.
• Has experience working with young people (14-19) and adults (19+).
• Can demonstrate excellent interpersonal, motivational, and communication skills.
• Understands the challenges facing learners from diverse backgrounds.
• Holds Level 2 Maths and English (or equivalent).

Safeguarding and Employment Checks

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, all employment offers are subject to employment checks. These include: Enhanced DBS (including Children’s Barred List check if applicable), relevant online searches, evidence of identity and Right to Work in the UK, satisfactory references, confirmation of medical fitness, evidence of relevant qualifications, and a check of previous employment history.

Newham College is a major post-16 education provider with campuses across the borough and a commitment to delivering high-quality services and opportunities for its students.