At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students and enhance their educational opportunities.
- Company: Bridgeview Special School, part of Venn Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and well-being support.
- Other info: Join a supportive community dedicated to exceptional student progress.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and promote their welfare.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, strong communication skills, and a commitment to safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a Safeguarding & Welfare Officer on a permanent basis, to join our team at Bridgeview Special School. You will have experience working with SEN children and be committed to maximise the educational and social opportunities available for children and young people who often are the most vulnerable.
Under the direction of the Designated Safeguarding Lead, this post will work closely with parents, carers and school staff to enhance the support available to our most vulnerable students to ensure that they overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential. The successful candidate will possess resilience, excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a range of colleagues and multi-agencies to safeguard our student’s welfare.
The role will include acting as the deputy safeguarding lead (DSL) when the DSL is offsite and representing the school at Child Protection and safeguarding meetings. You will also need to plan and deliver programmes of support to further student confidence, progress and attainment. Previous experience of working with children and young people is essential, ideally in a similar role within an education setting.
You will:
- Contribute to effective partnership working between school and external agencies involved with providing safeguarding and welfare services for children to keep our pupils safe at all times.
- Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date records regarding all safeguarding concerns and their associated actions, including high standard report writing.
- Lead the emotional and learning support for pupils and their families.
- Take a lead role in transition for year 6 and all in-year transition both to and from other schools regarding CP, vulnerable families and SEN.
We’re Looking For Someone Who:
- Has experience working with children or young people
- Is patient and resilient
- Has strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Works well in a team but can also use their initiative
- Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils
In Return, We Offer:
- A welcoming, supportive, and inclusive school community
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- A chance to make a real impact on students’ lives and learning
- Access to a Local Government Pension Scheme, EAP, staff well-being support including free flu vaccinations and access to a GP service for you and your family, 24/7.
Visits to the school are welcome; please contact Rob Abrahamsen by e-mail at admin@vennacademy.org or by telephone on 01482 303300 to make arrangements.
Our Multi Academy Trust is a group of inspirational and aspirational mainstream and specialist schools in Yorkshire whose main objective is to ensure that all pupils make exceptional progress through the development of outstanding staff. Venn Academy Trust is committed to achieving fairness and equality in employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Our Trust is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. Online searches will be carried out as part of Venn Academy Trust’s recruitment due diligence for all shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Safeguarding & Welfare Officer employer: Bridgeview Special School
At Bridgeview Special School, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our commitment to professional development ensures that our Safeguarding & Welfare Officers have ample opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable students. With access to comprehensive well-being support and a strong focus on collaboration with parents and external agencies, you will be part of a passionate team striving to create a safe and nurturing educational experience for all children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding & Welfare Officer
✨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 Bridgeview Special School.
✨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 Bridgeview Special School!
✨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 Bridgeview Special School, 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 Bridgeview Special School 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 Safeguarding & Welfare Officer
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 Bridgeview Special School:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bridgeview Special School! 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 Bridgeview Special School
✨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.
