Safeguarding Officer

Colne Primet Academy; Colne; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Colne Primet Academy is seeking a qualified social worker to lead on services for students with complex needs. You will work with staff, families and external partners, coordinating plans and monitoring outcomes.

The role requires meticulous record-keeping and the ability to manage a diverse caseload with sensitivity and discretion. You will contribute to safeguarding and equality commitments, maintaining professional development while supporting students’ resilience and wellbeing in a school

Qualifications

• Five A*- C grades at GCSE including English and Maths or equivalent - Essential
• Level 4 qualification or higher in a relevant field (e.g. safeguarding, education, social care) - Essential
• A degree in social work or similar or an equivalent qualification or experience in a social work role - Desirable
• Safeguarding training/qualification - Desirable
• Social Work England registered - Desirable

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for, and lead on, providing and coordinating services for students with more complex needs, working autonomously.
• Maintain accurate records and notes with meticulous attention to detail.
• Communicate effectively with staff, students, parents and external stakeholders and build positive relationships.
• Manage a diverse caseload with flexible working approaches and resilience in challenging situations.

Skills

Autonomous working

Communication skills

Organisation

Counselling skills

Resilience

Team collaboration

Caseload management

Vehicle access

Relationship building

Education

Level 4+ qualification

Degree in social work or equivalent

Safeguarding training/qualification

Job description

Qualifications

• Five A*- C grades at GCSE including English and Maths or equivalent - Essential
• Level 4 qualification or higher in a relevant field (e.g. safeguarding, education, social care) - Essential
• A degree in social work or similar or an equivalent qualification or experience in a social work role - Desirable
• Safeguarding training/qualification - Desirable
• Social Work England registered - Desirable

Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• Have the experience, confidence and expertise to take responsibility for, and take the lead on, providing and coordinating services for students with more complex needs. Whilst you will provide updates to senior staff and will work as part of a team, you need to be able to work autonomously, exercising sound balanced judgment - Essential
• Significant previous experience as a social worker or similar role (public, private or voluntary sector), including working with complex family situations/cases and with vulnerable children and teenagers; including experience of making home visits - Essential
• The ability to work meticulously, keeping detailed and fully accurate records and notes - critical to this role - Essential
• Excellent communication skills, including diplomacy and tact. Able to communicate effectively with staff, students, parents and external stakeholders and build positive relationships - Essential
• Ability to work under pressure, remain calm, take criticism and remain resilient, even in challenging situations. Robust constitution and stamina including a good record of attendance and health - Essential
• Integrity, honesty and aligned with Academy and Trust’s vision and values - Essential
• Comfortable managing a diverse caseload and adopting a flexible working approach. Open to change - Essential
• Excellent organisational, prioritisation and administrative skills including the ability to consistently work to deadlines. Sound IT skills - Essential
• Counselling skills including active listening & non-judgemental approach - Essential
• Access to / use of a vehicle which can be used for home visits - Essential
• Experience of carrying out needs assessments, preparing plans and monitoring and reviewing outcomes - Essential
• Knowledge of SEND and the 4 areas of need in 'SEND Code of Practice' - Desirable
• Knowledge of successful attendance interventions - Desirable
• Commitment to professional development, with a healthy attitude to personal development and work-life balance - Essential
• Experience in behaviour management for identified pupils - Desirable
• Knowledge of risk assessments - Desirable
• Ability to build relationships quickly with young people and go "the extra mile" to support pupils. Ability to instil learning resilience and confidence in pupils - Essential
• Commitment to staff welfare, including being understanding, supportive and able to maintain confidentiality - Essential
• Commitment to safeguarding, equal opportunities and the equal value of all members of the school community - Essential