At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people and adults through safeguarding challenges with professional advice and guidance.
- Company: Join Activate Learning, a pioneering education group transforming lives through innovative learning.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, excellent pension scheme, and access to wellbeing resources.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth and community building.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students while developing your career in safeguarding.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding or social work, Level 3 qualified, and recent advanced training.
The predicted salary is between 29412 - 35948 £ per year.
We are seeking talented individuals that are excellent in their field of expertise and are posed with all potential and skills necessary to help us meet future business challenges.
Location: Reading
Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, excellent pension scheme and access to other great benefits.
About the role:
We are looking to expand our safeguarding team by recruiting a Designated Safeguarding Adviser to work with our existing team of professionals to offer front-line support, immediate and professional advice and guidance to young people and adults through some of the most significant challenges they may encounter. You will be required to meet learners and triage support needs, making referrals to internal and external agencies such as College counsellors, the police, social services, youth services or mental health services. In addition, you will be required to advise our teaching teams and faculty staff on the appropriate actions to take to best meet the needs of the students under the support of the safeguarding team and build/maintain close working relationships with families of students under the support of the safeguarding team. This is a permanent, full-time position working 37 hours per week during term time (0.84 FTE) at our Reading College campus.
What do you need to be successful as a Safeguarding Adviser at Activate Learning?
You will have extensive knowledge and an excellent understanding of the safeguarding policies and regulations and ensure next steps are always taken appropriately and professionally. You will have the ability to provide comprehensive records to track the progress of safeguarding work and ensure we meet the statutory and legislative procedures. The successful candidates will be able to use a person-centred approach, show compassion and empathy, handle confidential information, and build rapport and trust in individuals to assess whether they are at risk of harm from others or themselves.
About you:
You will have previous experience in a similar role, either in social work, youth work, safeguarding or care setting. The ideal candidate will have:
- Level 3 qualified
- Completed Advanced Safeguarding training in the last two years
- Previous experience in Safeguarding
Who we are:
Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning. We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.
When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone. Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.
Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits:
- Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.
- Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing.
- Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
- Learning and Development: Continuous opportunities for teachers' professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.
- Teaching Support: Tailored Three-day induction program, and development programs for teaching staff.
- Pension Schemes: Teacher pension scheme for AL teaching staff.
- Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave.
- Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
- On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.
Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions. Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expects all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level. Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning is committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.
Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.
Designated Safeguarding Adviser in Reading employer: Activate-Learning-1
Activate Learning is an exceptional employer located in Blackbird Leys, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and wellbeing. With generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and tailored professional growth opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a transformative educational environment where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designated Safeguarding Adviser in Reading
✨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 Activate-Learning-1.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Activate-Learning-1!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Activate-Learning-1, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Activate-Learning-1 or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Designated Safeguarding Adviser in Reading
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 Activate-Learning-1:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Activate-Learning-1! 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 Activate-Learning-1
✨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.
