Safeguarding and Welfare Officer in London

Safeguarding and Welfare Officer in London

London Full-Time 31375 - 33300 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Newham College of Further Education

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support students' personal development and remove barriers to their success.
  • Company: Join Newham College, a vibrant community focused on student welfare.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across campuses.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help them achieve their potential.
  • Qualifications: Experience with young people, safeguarding knowledge, and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 31375 - 33300 £ per year.

The Safeguarding and Welfare Officer plays a leading role in ensuring students are safeguarded and that the personal development of students is promoted through awareness of their role in modern society and appropriate personal support that removes barriers to achievement and maximises potential.

Responsibilities

  • Work with an assigned caseload of students identified through self‑disclosure, referral or curriculum staff to identify potential barriers to achievement and support students in developing confidence and resilience.
  • Serve as a named member of the safeguarding team and hold key responsibility for safeguarding students, reporting concerns in line with College policy.
  • Collaborate with the DSL and Safeguarding Manager to deliver training on safeguarding themes and maintain up‑to‑date information on posters, the VLE and the website.
  • Facilitate group and one‑to‑one sessions to help students understand skills and qualities that support progress towards life goals and career readiness.
  • Develop, implement and monitor support strategies, referring students to internal and external agencies where appropriate.
  • Contribute to enrichment activities that expose students to personal, social and ethical issues, encouraging active participation in wider society and promotion of British and college values.
  • Advise students on compliance with college behaviour guidelines and manage their conduct within the college.
  • Maintain accurate and timely safeguarding records and ensure students receive correct risk indicators on safeguarding systems.
  • Liaise with support services such as counselling, bursary and additional learning support to offer a full range of student support.
  • Collaborate with the Student Experience Team and Head of Student Experience to support continuous improvement through rigorous self‑assessment processes.
  • Implement strategies to maintain a safe working environment, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
  • Support the Safeguarding Coordinator in preparing enrichment materials that promote Personal, Social and Employability skills, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Safeguarding.
  • Engage parents, carers and external agencies to establish effective relationships and provide timely information.
  • Provide relevant information and guidance to prospective students during open days, interview sessions, enrolment events and other student events.

Qualifications

  • Level 2 in Maths and English or equivalent.
  • Level 3 safeguarding and/or Mental Health First Aid training.
  • Level 3 IAG qualification.
  • Knowledge of sector frameworks, legislation, regulations and sector requirements.
  • Understanding of national and local priorities for young people and adults, and key developments in child protection and safeguarding.
  • Experience working directly with young people aged 14‑19, assessing needs and providing advice, information and support.
  • Experience developing employability, social, behavioural and personal skills for young people and adults to achieve their programmes of study.
  • Experience signposting students with mental health concerns to appropriate support services.
  • Empathy for learners from diverse backgrounds and excellent interpersonal skills for building positive professional relationships.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including accurate record keeping.
  • Ability to prioritise workload, meet tight deadlines and pursue continuous professional development.
  • Proficiency in using ICT systems and equipment effectively.
  • Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

The College has a strong commitment to implementing equality of opportunity in both service delivery and employment.

All employees actively support the development, dissemination and implementation of equality policies and related programmes.

Mandatory Employment Checks

All employment offers are subject to employment checks, including Enhanced DBS (Children's Barred List), Df E teaching/management Barred List, online searches, overseas criminal record check, identity proof, Right to Work in the UK, references, medical fitness, relevant qualifications and previous employment history.

Salary and Position

£31,375 - £33,300 pa (FTE £35,962 - £38,169 pa) – Permanent role at Newham College of Further Education, located across East Ham, Stratford, Plaistow and Canning Town campuses.

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Safeguarding and Welfare Officer in London employer: Newham College of Further Education

As a leading educational institution, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our staff to excel in their roles. Our commitment to professional development ensures that as a Curriculum Manager for Vocational Science, you will have ample opportunities for growth while contributing to high-quality education across our campuses. Located in a vibrant community, we offer a supportive environment where your expertise can make a meaningful impact on learners' outcomes.

Newham College of Further Education

Contact Details:

Newham College of Further Education Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Safeguarding and Welfare Officer in London

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 Newham College of Further Education.

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 Newham College of Further Education!

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 Newham College of Further Education, 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 Newham College of Further Education 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 and Welfare Officer in London

Safeguarding Knowledge
Student Support
Risk Assessment
Communication Skills
Empathy
Interpersonal Skills
Record Keeping

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 Newham College of Further Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Newham College of Further Education! 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 Newham College of Further Education

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.