At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' welfare and provide timely interventions for safeguarding concerns.
- Company: Join Blackburn College, a diverse and inclusive educational environment.
- Benefits: Access to employee support, gym discounts, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and promote their safety and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding and supporting young people is essential.
The predicted salary is between 29096 - 29096 £ per year.
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Safeguarding Officer to join our Student Experience team and play a vital role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students. Working closely with the Safeguarding Lead and Head of Student Experience, you will provide timely, effective and student-centred interventions, ensuring that students receive the support they need when safeguarding concerns arise.
As a key member of the safeguarding team, you will work directly with students, providing both practical and emotional support while coordinating appropriate referrals and engagement with external agencies. You will contribute to effective information sharing and partnership working in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and Local Safeguarding Adult Board (LSAB) procedures, helping the College meet its statutory safeguarding responsibilities.
This is a cross-College role that supports departments in delivering early help and preventative interventions, while also contributing to the development of safeguarding awareness and best practice across the organisation. The successful candidate will help foster a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where students can thrive and achieve their full potential.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for an experienced safeguarding professional who is passionate about supporting children, young people and vulnerable adults. You will have a proven track record of working in a support role with children, young people and families, successfully meeting a wide range of individual needs while delivering positive outcomes.
The ideal candidate will have experience of carrying out safeguarding interventions and assessments, working within an educational environment and collaborating effectively with a range of external agencies and professionals. You will be confident in building positive relationships with students, promoting safety and wellbeing initiatives, and providing appropriate challenge and support where needed.
You will possess a strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, thresholds and procedures, together with excellent knowledge of the signs, indicators and forms of abuse and associated risk factors. Experience of delivering training or awareness sessions to groups would be advantageous, as would an understanding of successful pastoral intervention strategies and early help approaches.
Most importantly, you will be a highly organised, empathetic and resilient individual with excellent communication skills and a commitment to ensuring that every student feels safe, supported and able to succeed.
What makes Blackburn College an Employer of choice?
You’ll have access to a wide range of benefits and support, including, but not limited to:
- Employee Assistance Programme with a 24/7/365 helpline for advice and support
- Regular Staff Physical Activity Sessions and reduced-price gym membership
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Discounted Bus Travel with the Transdev Commuter Club
- Family-friendly policies
- Free eye tests and contribution to VDU-use-only glasses
- Several food outlets with a variety of menu choices
- A full range of discounted professional Hair & Beauty services provided by the Academy Salon
- Professional bakery offering a variety of fresh breads, cakes, and ready meals
Blackburn College values diversity and is committed to creating a diverse workforce. Blackburn College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments are subject to a variety of pre-employment checks, including satisfactory references, medical clearance, and an enhanced DBS check.
Safeguarding Intervention Worker in Blackburn employer: Only FE
Only FE is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With access to comprehensive benefits such as a 24/7 employee assistance programme and discounted gym memberships, our team members thrive in an environment that encourages growth and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education and engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Intervention Worker in Blackburn
✨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 Only FE.
✨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 Only FE!
✨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 Only FE, 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 Only FE 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 Intervention Worker in Blackburn
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 Only FE:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Only FE! 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 Only FE
✨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.
