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- Tasks: Support and strengthen safeguarding practices across the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
- Company: Join a values-led organisation with a strong Christian ethos.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, vacation, retirement plan, and on-the-job learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in protecting vulnerable individuals and communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding or social work, with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead training and develop impactful safeguarding policies.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 39800 £ per year.
The Council for Social Witness is seeking a Safeguarding Officer to support and strengthen child and adult safeguarding practices across the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI). Reporting to the Safeguarding Lead, the successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring that safeguarding policies and procedures are effectively implemented, maintained, and continuously improved.
Department: Safeguarding Department
Responsible to: Safeguarding Lead
Hours: 37.5 per week
Main responsibilities:
- To contribute to the Christian ministry and mission of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) through the delivery of the duties outlined.
- To support PCI in ensuring full implementation of a robust child and adult safeguarding approach in Northern Ireland and Ireland.
- To have oversight of allocated case work for PCI, under the direction and supervision of the Safeguarding Lead.
- To assist the Safeguarding Lead in developing and delivering the child and adult safeguarding programmes for PCI and the various Councils.
- To be an active member of the General Assembly's staff team, contributing to the effective administration of its functions within the ethos of PCI.
What We Are Looking For:
- Experience in safeguarding, social work, or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practices in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
- Experience in handling disclosures, conducting risk assessments, and engaging with statutory agencies.
- Excellent communication and training skills, with the ability to engage ministers, congregations, and volunteers.
- Ability to work with sensitive information while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
Why Join Us?
- Make a real difference by ensuring safeguarding policies are upheld across PCI congregations.
- Work within a values-led organisation with a strong Christian ethos.
- Opportunity to lead safeguarding training and develop policies that impact communities.
If you are passionate about safeguarding and protecting vulnerable individuals, we encourage you to apply. We reserve the right to close this post prior to the stated closing date should sufficient applications be received.
Required Criteria:
- Qualification in Social Work and registered on the relevant part of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council Register Or Degree level or equivalent qualification and experience in managing/carrying out investigations into safeguarding concerns.
- Competent in the use of Microsoft Office (in particular Word, PowerPoint and Outlook).
- Knowledge of legislation relating to safeguarding in Northern Ireland OR the Republic of Ireland.
- Practice knowledge of child and/or adult safeguarding.
- 3 years experience (which can include AYE) in the field of safeguarding children and/or adults, including carrying out safeguarding related assessments and producing related written reports in either statutory or voluntary sector.
- 3 years experience (which can include AYE) in working with legislation relating to safeguarding in Northern Ireland OR the Republic of Ireland in either statutory or voluntary sector.
- Experience of managing safeguarding situations as part of a caseload.
- Experience and understanding of safeguarding procedures in relation to children and/or adults.
- Understanding of a trauma informed approach.
- Experience of work-related administration and organisation.
- Experience of effective team working.
- Work comfortably within the Christian ethos and structure of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
- Access to a car and appropriate insurance/other suitable arrangements for travel throughout Ireland.
- Available for evening and occasional weekend work as required by the nature of the role.
Desired Criteria:
- Relevant adult or child safeguarding training (completed within the last three years).
- Relevant domestic abuse training (completed within the last three years).
- Training/experience in trauma informed practice approaches.
- Demonstrable experience of planning, delivering, and evaluating training/presentations.
Salary: £39,282.00 - £47,877.00 per year
Benefits:
- Vacation, Paid time off
- Retirement plan and/or pension
- Employee Assistance Scheme
- Perks Card
- Annual Rise
- On the job learning
(PCI) Safeguarding Officer in Belfast employer: Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Contact Detail:
Presbyterian Church in Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land (PCI) Safeguarding Officer in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the safeguarding field or related sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching PCI’s safeguarding policies and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just passionate about safeguarding but also knowledgeable about how PCI operates. Tailor your responses to reflect their values and mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience with safeguarding legislation and your approach to sensitive situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at PCI. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace (PCI) Safeguarding Officer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in safeguarding and how it aligns with PCI's mission. We want to see how your skills can contribute to our values-led organisation!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your safeguarding experience, especially any casework or training you've delivered. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, as this helps us quickly understand your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and our mission!
How to prepare for a job interview at Presbyterian Church in Ireland
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding legislation and best practices in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Being able to discuss specific cases or examples from your experience will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but you can apply it in real-world situations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Safeguarding Officer, you'll need to engage with various stakeholders, including ministers and volunteers. Prepare to demonstrate your communication skills by sharing examples of how you've effectively trained others or handled sensitive conversations in the past.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical safeguarding situations. Think through your approach to handling disclosures or conducting risk assessments. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Align with the Christian Ethos
Since this role is within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, it’s important to express your understanding and alignment with their values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal beliefs and professional experiences align with the mission of PCI and how you can contribute positively to their community.
