At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools in child protection through training, advice, and multi-agency collaboration.
- Company: Join the Education Authority, dedicated to safeguarding children and enhancing educational environments.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for professional development and impactful community work.
- Other info: This role requires an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background check.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive and dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Must have a professional Social Work qualification and experience in child protection or education welfare.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Designated Officer for Child Protection - 2 posts
Join to apply for the Designated Officer for Child Protection - 2 posts role at Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
Overview
The Education Authority is recruiting for two posts of Designated Officer for Child Protection. The role involves providing training, advice and support on child protection matters to schools and Education Authority staff, and working with health and social services and other agencies to establish multi‑agency practice in child protection.
- To develop, update and provide training to appropriate board staff and personnel in schools in child protection matters.
- To provide advice and support to schools on all aspects of child protection and to facilitate capacity building within schools on child protection matters.
- To liaise with professionals in Health and Social Services and other agencies in relation to the establishment of multi‑agency working in child protection.
- To assist the Head of Service in the management and development of the service, in accordance with legislation, Department of Education guidance and the Education Authority (EA) policy and procedures.
- To deputise for the Head of Service as required.
Job Description (highlights)
- To develop, update and provide training of board staff and personnel in schools in child protection matters; to provide training so that EA staff and school personnel are aware of child protection procedures.
- To work on a regional basis to provide a telephone advice service on all issues relating to child protection; to develop sector specific cluster/support groups for designated teachers of child protection.
- To represent the EA on Area Child Protection Panels and Safeguarding Board NI subgroups; to participate in monitoring and auditing the service provided by CPSS.
- To participate in policy development, multi‑agency liaison and to deliver training on a multi‑agency basis.
- To undertake management responsibilities as part of CPSS, including strategic planning, finances, and mentoring of staff where required.
- To ensure compliance with current legislation and EA statutory duties related to child protection and safeguarding; to represent the EA in court proceedings relating to child protection as required.
- To lead on the development of training, evaluation of training needs and building links with statutory/voluntary agencies to coordinate multi‑disciplinary initiatives.
- To undertake other duties as required by the Head of Service and to promote equality and good relations in line with Section 75 of the NI Act 1998.
Section 1 – Essential Criteria
The following essential criteria will initially be measured at shortlisting and may be explored further during interview/selection. Please clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet these criteria, for both essential and desirable criteria where relevant.
- Qualifications
- Hold a professional Social Work qualification as recognised by NISCC OR be qualified in accordance with JNC for education and library boards circular no 38
- Be registered or have applied for registration on the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) Social Care Register
- Experience
- Three years’ experience working as an Education Welfare officer and/or of child protection in a social work setting
- One year’s experience managing and supervising staff
- Demonstrable experience of dealing with safeguarding and child protection concerns
- Knowledge
- Demonstrable up to date knowledge of safeguarding and child protection issues in the education sector
- Other
- To have access to a suitable vehicle (or provide information on an acceptable alternative transport) to meet mobility requirements of the post
Section 2 – Essential Criteria
The following are additional essential criteria measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model. Please clearly demonstrate how you meet these criteria on your application form.
- Experience/Knowledge Knowledge of relevant legislation, policy and procedures in relation to child protection and safeguarding
- Skills/Abilities Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to lead and motivate others; ability to use own initiative and deliver results on time
- Values Orientation Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values, including commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery
Section 3 – Desirable Criteria
- Experience Have one year’s experience as a senior practitioner or Senior Education Welfare Officer; demonstrable experience in addressing child protection issues in an educational setting; demonstrable experience of designing and delivering adult training programmes
- Our Values Evidence that your personal values align with EA’s values, including equality and excellence in service delivery
Disclosure of Criminal Background
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people as ‘regulated activity’. If recommended for appointment to a post involving ‘regulated activity’, an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background will be undertaken. You will be required to meet the cost of the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details will be provided at pre‑employment. For more information see nidirect.gov.uk or justice-ni.gov.uk.
Applicant Guidance and Benefits
To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here. To learn about the benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here. The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Job Purpose (Summary)
- To develop, update and provide training to appropriate board staff and personnel in schools in child protection matters.
- To provide advice and support to schools on all aspects of child protection and to facilitate capacity building within schools on child protection matters.
- To liaise with professionals in Health and Social Services and other agencies in relation to multi‑agency working in child protection.
- To assist the Head of Service in the management and development of the service, in accordance with legislation, Department of Education guidance and EA policy and procedures.
- To deputise for the Head of Service as required.
Seniority, Employment Type and Location
- Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Other, Information Technology, and Management
- Industries: Education Administration Programs
Notes: This description is intended to provide a general outline of the responsibilities and requirements and may be subjected to change. Posts involving work in educational institutions are subject to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007 and an enhanced disclosure check may be required at contract stage.
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. This description may reflect ongoing updates and should not be regarded as a contract of employment.
Designated Officer for Child Protection - 2 posts in Antrim employer: Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
The Education Authority (Northern Ireland) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for professionals committed to child protection. With a strong emphasis on employee development, the Authority offers comprehensive training opportunities and encourages staff to engage in multi-agency initiatives, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. Located in Northern Ireland, the Authority promotes a culture of equality and excellence, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in education and safeguarding.
Contact Details:
Education Authority (Northern Ireland) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designated Officer for Child Protection - 2 posts in Antrim
✨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 Education Authority (Northern Ireland).
✨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 Education Authority (Northern Ireland)!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨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 Education Authority (Northern Ireland) 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 Officer for Child Protection - 2 posts in Antrim
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 Education Authority (Northern Ireland):Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Education Authority (Northern Ireland)! 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 Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
✨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.
