At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students by addressing safeguarding issues and coordinating resources for their welfare.
- Company: West Suffolk College, a supportive educational environment in Bury St Edmunds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Maternity cover role with opportunities to work with diverse student groups.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to student safety and well-being.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding, excellent communication, and organisational skills required.
West Suffolk College - Bury St Edmunds
37 hours per week, 38 weeks per year
Maternity Cover commencing September 2026
Salary: £26,703-£29,058 per annum (Dependent on qualifications and experience)
Actual salary: £21,915- £23,848 per annum
We are seeking a safeguarding professional who is skilled in recognising and referring any safeguarding issues to the relevant service as needed. This role will involve liaising with the police or social services in relation to making a referral or providing support for the interviewing of students where a referral has been made.
Candidates need to be able to understand contextualised safeguarding issues and take this information into account when making referrals. In addition, candidates will need to monitor Children in Care, Young Adult Carers or students with mental health conditions liaising with college staff so that risks are well known. The role requires excellent communication, IT, and organisational skills.
In this role you will liaise with lecturers, parents, and managers, coordinating resources to address safeguarding, PREVENT, and student welfare issues, including housing and financial advice.
The ideal candidate will have knowledge of SEND, SEMH and an understanding of safeguarding procedures. Key responsibilities include conducting one-on-one sessions, managing student behaviour, and ensuring accurate record-keeping. You will also work with vulnerable groups, monitor attendance, and refer safeguarding concerns as necessary, contributing to a supportive environment where students can thrive.
Safeguarding Practitioner in Bury St Edmunds employer: Eastern Education Group Trust
West Suffolk College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where safeguarding professionals can thrive. With a focus on employee growth opportunities and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of students, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to a safe and nurturing educational environment in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. The college values collaboration and communication, ensuring that all staff are equipped with the resources and support needed to excel in their roles.
Contact Details:
Eastern Education Group Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Practitioner in Bury St Edmunds
✨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 Eastern Education Group Trust.
✨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 Eastern Education Group Trust!
✨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 Eastern Education Group Trust, 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 Eastern Education Group Trust 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 Practitioner in Bury St Edmunds
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 Eastern Education Group Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Eastern Education Group Trust! 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 Eastern Education Group Trust
✨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.
