Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officer in Northampton

Main purpose of job: As a key member of the Safeguarding Team, the Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officer supports Parishes and the Diocese with safeguarding activities, whilst providing advice and guidance to ensure that the Diocese of Peterborough continues to be a safe place to live, worship and work.

The Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officer will be a dynamic and compassionate individual with responsibility for a caseload which is managed in line with the law, national statutory guidance and policy set by the House of Bishops and National Church of England Safeguarding Team.

Department: Safeguarding

Location: Peterborough Diocesan Office with travel required across the Diocese, including occasional work at the Northampton Office. Hybrid working is supported.

Main Duties:

• A. Safeguarding casework: Undertake safeguarding casework on behalf of the Diocese of Peterborough and ensure all work is conducted in adherence to the House of Bishops safeguarding policy and guidance. Manage, investigate, lead and conclude designated cases.
• B. Risk assessment and monitoring: Undertake risk assessments on offenders and those that may pose a risk who want to worship, volunteer or work in churches across our Diocese.
• C. Safeguarding support, advice and promotion: Ensure appropriate pastoral support is arranged for those affected by abuse and/or safeguarding situations as appropriate.
• D. Partnership and multi-agency working: Form and maintain productive, professional relationships with parishes, clergy, senior clergy, parish volunteers and PSOs.
• E. Information management: Ensure that the principles of GDPR, confidentiality, health and safety and safeguarding are adhered to in all aspects of your work.
• F. Deputising and professional development: Deputise and provide cover for other staff in the Safeguarding Team as necessary.

This job description outlines the principal duties and responsibilities of the post and is not intended to be exhaustive. The role may evolve in line with diocesan priorities, national safeguarding developments, and organisational need.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

QUALIFICATIONS

• Relevant Professional qualification or equivalent (i.e. Social Work, Probation, Police etc.)
• English and Math GCSE (or equivalent) at grade C (level 5) or above.
• Qualifications related to safeguarding children and adults.
• Educated to Degree level or equivalent.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience of safeguarding children and/or adults in a voluntary or statutory sector.
• Experience in risk assessment and risk management in relation to offenders/offending behaviours and those that may pose a risk.
• Knowledge of trauma informed practice and experience of applying this to safeguarding work.
• Knowledge of local authority safeguarding processes and statutory frameworks.
• Experience of effectively managing a caseload.
• Experience of working with victims/survivors of abuse.

PERSONAL QUALITIES:

• High levels of enthusiasm and self-motivation with a willingness to challenge stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and bias.
• Good organisational and planning skills; able to work unsupervised and collaboratively as part of a team.
• A clear communicator, both verbally and in writing and able to demonstrate diplomacy, sensitivity, and patience.
• Must be comfortable working in a church environment and empathic to the values of the Church of England.

FURTHER DETAILS

Location: The main place of work will be The Diocesan Office, The Palace, Peterborough, PE1 1YB. The role holder will be required to occasionally work at our Northampton office and attend other parts of the Diocese regularly as part of their role. Hybrid working can be considered.

Hours: 35 hours per week (FTE). The post holder will be entitled to time off in lieu of attending meetings outside of office hours.

Holidays: Annual leave of 25 days per year plus public holidays and Christmas/New Year closure (3 days). This rises from 25 days to 30 days after 10 years’ service.

Pension: 10% employer non-contributory pension.

Probationary Period: 6 months.

DBS: Given the nature of this role an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required.