At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure student safety and wellbeing while promoting a strong safeguarding culture.
- Company: Southampton College, dedicated to student welfare and support.
- Benefits: Permanent, term-time role with a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and promote their emotional health.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding and working with vulnerable individuals required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Safeguarding Officer to join our team on a permanent, term-time basis at Southampton College. This is a vital role focused on ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and protection of all students, particularly those who may be vulnerable or at risk.
You will play a key role in promoting a strong culture of safeguarding across the college, working collaboratively with staff, external agencies, and stakeholders to ensure best practice and full compliance with statutory safeguarding requirements. This is a permanent, term-time position, working 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm.
Key Responsibilities- Promote a culture of safeguarding, ensuring student welfare is prioritised at all times
- Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputies in implementing safeguarding policies and procedures
- Act as a point of contact for safeguarding concerns, managing disclosures appropriately
- Assess risk and make referrals to external agencies where appropriate
- Manage safeguarding caseloads and maintain accurate, confidential records (e.g. CPOMS)
- Support students with safeguarding concerns, promoting their emotional health and wellbeing
- Monitor and support students subject to Child Protection Plans, Early Help Plans, and those who are care experienced
- Work collaboratively with curriculum teams and external partners to coordinate support for vulnerable learners
- Attend case conferences, reviews, and multi-agency meetings
- Identify safeguarding trends and potential risks within the college
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding legislation, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
You will be an organised, empathetic, and resilient professional with experience in safeguarding and working with vulnerable individuals. You will be confident managing sensitive situations and working collaboratively across teams and agencies.
You Will Also Demonstrate- Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Effective organisational and record-keeping abilities
- A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
The College is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undergo relevant pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.
Interview Dates: 2 July and 3 July
Expected Start Date: Week commencing 17 August
Safeguarding & Student Welfare Officer in Southampton employer: onlyFE
At Southampton College, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment for both our staff and students. Our commitment to safeguarding and student welfare is reflected in our collaborative work culture, where every team member plays a vital role in promoting the wellbeing of our diverse student body. With ample opportunities for professional development and a focus on equality and inclusion, joining us means becoming part of a community that values your contributions and prioritises meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding & Student Welfare Officer in Southampton
✨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 onlyFE.
✨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 onlyFE!
✨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 onlyFE, 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 onlyFE 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 & Student Welfare Officer in Southampton
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 onlyFE:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to onlyFE! 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 onlyFE
✨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.
