Safeguarding Support Officer

We are seeking an organised and proactive Safeguarding Support Officer to support the College’s Safeguarding Team. This role is pivotal in maintaining accurate records, coordinating safeguarding meetings, and providing high-quality administrative support to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students. You will work closely with safeguarding leads, manage systems such as CPOMS and Smoothwall, support communication with staff, parents, and external agencies, and contribute to reporting and training processes.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of safeguarding, excellent organisational skills, and a commitment to promoting a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

• To ensure the maintenance of accurate and up to date student information on CPOMS & Smoothwall and support in the creation of reports relating to the safeguarding and wellbeing support for students.
• To complete all administration in respect of safeguarding meetings.
• To support with the processing of Operation Encompass reports and communicate with relevant services.
• To contribute to the planning of, and support with the delivery of safeguarding training for staff and volunteers and maintain accurate training records.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection matters and respond as appropriate making sure that referrals are made to the Designated Safeguarding Team in line with school policy and the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) document.

• Hold an appropriate Level 3 qualification.
• Grade C or above in Maths and English (or equivalent).
• A commitment to undertake any mandatory training relevant to the role.
• A commitment to undertake Safeguarding training over and above the mandatory college training.
• Mental Health qualification (Desirable).

• Experience of working with and supporting vulnerable young people and dealing with difficult and sensitive issues.
• Experience of building effective relationships with young people, staff and external partners in a sensitive and professional way.
• Experience of dealing with safeguarding cases and following policies and procedures.
• Experience of working with welfare issues, such as homelessness, emotional and behavioural issues and mental health problems.
• Demonstrate the ability to work under pressure and manage a challenging case load.

• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and the Prevent duty and a commitment to creating a safe learning environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of equality and diversity.
• The ability to work with young people of a wide-ranging ability, from diverse backgrounds and to empathise with them.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and to multi-task.

• Substantial annual leave entitlement plus holiday purchase scheme.
• Health & Wellbeing; free gym membership, 24/7 counselling for you and your family.
• Family-friendly policies: flexible hours and a supportive work environment.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential support including counselling, legal and financial advice.
• Professional development: extensive training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities.
• Funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training, and paid volunteering days.
• Access to discounted hair and beauty treatments at our onsite salon.
• College benefit scheme – College Extras: Up to 15% cashback at top retailers & restaurants.
• Discounted gift cards for big brands.
• Home & tech upgrades via salary sacrifice.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Discounted onsite car parking.

Middlesbrough College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. All staff are expected to share this commitment. If you’re successful, you’ll be required to complete thorough pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. All roles within the College carry safeguarding responsibilities, including promoting student welfare, reporting any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and modelling safe and appropriate conduct in line with College policies.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Applications are short-listed for interview as they are received, and so early application is encouraged. We reserve the right to commence the interview process and close the vacancy prior to this date.

Middlesbrough College is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively support applicants with disabilities.