At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils' safety and well-being as a Safeguarding Officer, managing referrals and interventions.
- Company: Join the St Bart's Multi Academy Trust, a supportive and inclusive educational environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy health support, training opportunities, competitive pay, and a culture that values your voice.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and travel to off-site venues required.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while growing your career in safeguarding.
- Qualifications: Passion for safeguarding and experience in supporting vulnerable individuals.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The St Bart's Multi Academy Trust, in partnership with Governors, staff and children of Abbey Hill Academy and College, are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our hard working and committed team. At Abbey Hill Academy and College, our children come first. High expectations, mutual trust and respect are underpinned by a warm, supportive ethos. In the best interests of our children, we work very closely with our partner Academies.
The successful candidate will be working alongside a team of caring, enthusiastic, dedicated staff, who are well-supported by their Senior Leadership Team.
Job Purpose
To provide comprehensive safeguarding support to pupils, working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). This includes managing a caseload of referrals, coordinating interventions, and acting as Deputy DSL in the DSL's absence. The role involves working with pupils, families, and external agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Receive and coordinate referrals: Manage incoming safeguarding concerns, ensuring appropriate action is taken and services are reviewed. This includes making referrals to social care and other relevant agencies.
- Support vulnerable pupils: Work with staff to identify and support the needs of vulnerable pupils and their families, including pupils with SEND, such as those with communication difficulties or emotional and behavioural challenges.
- Administrative support: Provide efficient administrative support to the DSL, maintaining accurate and confidential records.
- Caseload management: Maintain a caseload of safeguarding referrals, reviewing progress, and providing feedback to the safeguarding team.
- Liaison with agencies: Liaise with external agencies, including social care, police, therapists, and health services, ensuring they have access to necessary information.
- Support staff: Act as a source of support for staff who make referrals or report concerns.
- Attend meetings: Participate in safeguarding meetings, case conferences, strategy meetings, core group meetings, professional discussions, and LAC meetings. Includes keeping/organising written records and notes of meetings as required.
- Early Help and intervention: Coordinate Early Help Assessments and interventions, working with families and external agencies.
- Record keeping: Maintain accurate and confidential records of all safeguarding concerns, interventions, and outcomes.
- Parent support: Work with parents to support their child's well-being and development, providing information and guidance.
- Promote safeguarding: Raise awareness of safeguarding issues among staff, students, and parents.
- Compliance: Comply with a wide range of relevant legislation, local and national guidance and processes.
- Policy and procedures: Implementation of the school's safeguarding policies and procedures.
Deputy DSL
- Deputise for the DSL: Assume the DSL's responsibilities in their absence, including managing referrals, coordinating interventions, and liaising with external agencies.
- Provide expert advice: Offer safeguarding advice and guidance to staff, students, and parents.
- Stay up-to-date: Keep abreast of current safeguarding legislation, guidance, and best practices.
- Contribute to training: Assist in the delivery of safeguarding training to staff, volunteers, and governors.
- Prevent Duty: Understand and support the school's Prevent Duty, providing advice to staff on preventing radicalisation.
The role will involve travel to off-site venues and a flexible approach to working hours.
Our Offer To You
When you join the St Bart’s family, you’re joining a Trust that truly values its people. We’re proud to live by our PEACE values - Passion, Encouragement, Ambition, Collaboration, and Enjoyment, which are at the heart of everything we do. Here’s what you can expect from us:
- A welcoming, supportive culture where everyone is respected, included and valued for who they are.
- Health and wellbeing support - including access to mental health resources, wellbeing days, discounted fitness memberships and staff discounts via Kaarp Benefits.
- Opportunities to grow - we’re passionate about development, with access to training, leadership pathways and mentoring to help you reach your goals.
- Recognition and rewards - from staff awards to everyday appreciation, your hard work is seen and celebrated.
- Financial peace of mind - competitive pay, pension schemes through LGPS or Teachers’ Pensions, and travel benefits.
- Your voice matters - regular feedback opportunities, engagement surveys and open conversations help shape how we grow together.
And above all, you’ll be part of something amazing - making a real difference to the lives of our brilliant young people every single day.
Abbey Hill Academy & College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Further details regarding this check are available from schools or by visiting www.crb.gov.uk.
If you are interested in applying and require further information please call 01782 355849 or email recruitment@abbeyhill.sbmat.org. More information on the school including our Prospectus and Safeguarding Policy can be found on our website https://www.abbeyhillschool.co.uk/.
Contact Details:
Abbey Hill Academy & College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Officer (Deputy DSL) in Longton
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Abbey Hill Academy & College.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Officer (Deputy DSL) in Longton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Abbey Hill Academy & College:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Abbey Hill Academy & College! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abbey Hill Academy & College
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
