At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide support and advice on online safety issues to professionals working with children.
- Company: Join a not-for-profit charity dedicated to promoting safe technology use.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and support in a meaningful role.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in online safety for schools and young people.
- Qualifications: Empathy, communication skills, and a passion for online safety are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Reporting To: Professionals Online Safety Helpline Team Leader
Contract Type: 6 month fixed term contract
Background
SWGfL is a not-for-profit charity ensuring everyone can benefit from technology free from harm. Forming 1/3 of the UK Safer Internet Centre, our experts advise schools, public bodies and industry on appropriate actions to take regarding safeguarding and advancing positive online safety policies. SWGfL has been at the forefront of online safety for 25 years, delivering vital solutions, engaging presentations and training to a wide variety of audiences nationally and internationally. Our work has brought online safety to the forefront of public attention, ensuring everyone can develop their understanding of what online safety truly means in an ever-changing world.
Job Purpose
The successful applicant will work on our Professionals Online Safety Helpline (POSH). The role will involve responding to calls, emails and reports, offering advice and support that will help to resolve issues relating to online safety/safeguarding. The service primarily supports schools (and other children’s professionals), so the post holder will be able to offer advice on a wide range of issues from cyber‑bullying, to monitoring and filtering and more complex safeguarding issues. A large portion of time will be spent viewing content and reporting this to industry platforms for removal. This will usually be low‑level harmful content, however, there will be times where the post holder may be exposed to graphic content while undertaking this work. Appropriate support and clinical supervision will be offered to staff to help deal with this.
Responses will be made via email and telephone using an internal database to log call notes and send replies to incoming emails. Training to use telephone system and database will be provided. Working with a range of stakeholders will be necessary including, police, teaching unions, online safety NGOs and primarily social media/other platforms.
Key Responsibilities
As part of the Professionals Online Safety Helpline within SWGfL, you will provide clear, effective advice and support to professionals working with children and young people, handling complex or sensitive reports with professionalism, empathy and discretion. You will stay informed on online youth culture, emerging trends and new platforms, and liaise with stakeholders including the UK Safer Internet Centre, consortium partners, Childnet, IWF, service providers, NGOs, industry, government bodies and professional associations to resolve issues efficiently. Responsibilities include:
- Responding to inbound emails and calls
- Making follow‑up contact
- Prioritising and organising work in line with the helpline’s strategy
- Escalating cases as required
- Maintaining accurate records
- Supporting awareness campaigns
- Assisting with reports
- Providing support to the wider SWGfL helpline and project teams
Work is primarily office‑based at SWGfL with some UK and European travel as necessary, contributing to the service’s strategic goals while upholding safeguarding standards and effective communication.
Helpline Practitioner (Professionals Online Safety Helpline) - South West Grid For Learning employer: Devon County Council
Devon County Council is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their teaching career in North Devon. With a strong commitment to employee development, the role of Cover Supervisor offers valuable training opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact on students' lives in a supportive and engaging work culture. Enjoy the benefits of working in a community-focused environment that values education and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Helpline Practitioner (Professionals Online Safety Helpline) - South West Grid For Learning
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Devon County Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Helpline Practitioner (Professionals Online Safety Helpline) - South West Grid For Learning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Devon County Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Devon County Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Devon County Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Helpline Practitioner (Professionals Online Safety Helpline) - South West Grid For Learning role at Devon County Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Devon County Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
