At a Glance
- Tasks: Support safeguarding and child protection for students in a welcoming school environment.
- Company: St Matthias School, dedicated to student safety and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Join a proactive team committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Experience in child safeguarding, strong communication, and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 25650 - 31350 £ per year.
St Matthias School is a welcoming and inclusive school located in Wolverhampton, committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all our students. We are looking for a full time Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead with experience of working in Children Safeguarding, ideally within the education context, who will share responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the school. They will work alongside a team of DDSLs under the guidance and support of the Safeguarding and Welfare manager and of the Deputy Headteacher/DSL.
This is a key role in the school as the DDSLs advise and support other members of staff on child protection and safeguarding matters and liaise with relevant agencies such as the local authority and police.
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting the Designated Safeguarding Lead in promoting the safety and wellbeing of all pupils
- Helping to identify any safeguarding concerns
- Maintaining accurate records
- Working closely with staff, parents, and external agencies
Key responsibilities:
- Support the management of the day to day safeguarding needs of the school, including referrals
- Maintain detailed records, monitor and act on all CPOM Concerns raised by staff
- Provide support to students in crisis within the school (1:1 and small group)
- Act as a source of support, advice and expertise for students, staff and families
- Encourage a culture of listening to children among all staff, ensuring that children’s feelings are heard where the school puts measures in place to protect them
- Operate within the boundaries of confidentiality and data protection and with regards to relevant legislation (KCSIE)
Key skills:
- Good communication skills both written and verbal
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Applied knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures
- Strong organisational skills with attention to detail
- Empathy towards children’s needs and confidentiality
Values and Attitudes:
- Commitment to promoting the welfare of children at all times
- Respectful, approachable, patient, and trustworthy manner
- Proactive attitude towards learning new skills related to safeguarding
- Integrity in handling sensitive information responsibly
- Dedication to creating a safe environment where every child feels valued
If you are motivated by making a positive difference in children's lives within an encouraging school community, we would love to hear from you.
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead in Wolverhampton employer: St Matthias School
St Matthias School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of its students while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Located in Wolverhampton, the school offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a dedicated team, ensuring that all staff are equipped to make a meaningful impact on children's lives. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and a culture that values collaboration and respect, St Matthias School is an ideal place for those passionate about education and child welfare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead in Wolverhampton
✨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 St Matthias School.
✨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 St Matthias School!
✨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 St Matthias School, 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 St Matthias School 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 Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead in Wolverhampton
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 St Matthias School:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to St Matthias School! 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 St Matthias School
✨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.
