At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and safeguard students, building trusting relationships with them and their families.
- Company: Affinity Learning Partnership, a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Professional development, wellbeing initiatives, and a commitment to dignity and respect.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to equality and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' lives while growing in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Experience working with children facing challenges and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The successful candidate will be an experienced and compassionate professional with a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students. They will have proven experience of working with children and young people who may face emotional, behavioural or social challenges and will be confident in building trusting relationships with students, families and academy staff. The role requires excellent communication skills, the ability to maintain confidentiality and the confidence to liaise effectively with external agencies and contribute to multi-agency processes when required. The candidate will be highly organised, able to work calmly under pressure and manage competing priorities while ensuring records are accurate and up to date. They will demonstrate professionalism, integrity and accountability at all times, align with the values and ethos of the Trust and show a clear commitment to continuous professional development and inclusive practice.
37 hours per week, 39.2 working weeks per year.
At Affinity, we pride ourselves on being a great place to work, a workplace where everyone belongs, progresses, and thrives. We recognise that our colleagues are our greatest asset, and we are committed to ensuring they feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Our People Strategy is built around three core pillars:
- Belongs – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: We cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, champions equality, and ensures all staff feel respected, valued, and genuinely part of our community.
- Progresses – Staff Development and CPD: Our Professional Growth Model empowers colleagues to take ownership of their development. Our strong investment in CPD sets us apart and ensures every colleague has the opportunity to grow and succeed.
- Thrives – Wellbeing: We know that mental and physical wellbeing are essential to feeling supported and performing well. That’s why we place strong emphasis on creating an environment where colleagues feel healthy, valued, and able to thrive.
What are the Benefits of Joining Affinity?
- Investment in your professional development and CPD through our Professional Growth Model
- Removal of performance-related pay
- A commitment to dignity and respect in the workplace
- Opportunities for collaborative working through leadership and staff networks
- A Trust-wide approach to reducing workload
- Wellbeing initiatives supported by our Wellbeing Champion Network
- One dedicated wellbeing day per academic year
- Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support services
- Access to Benenden Health’s self-pay private healthcare service
- Discounted gym membership with Everyone Active
- Cycle to Work scheme
- BHSF health cash plan
- Eye care vouchers
- Flu vaccination vouchers
- Generous pension schemes through Teachers Pensions and the Local Government Pension Scheme
Please note that we do not hold a sponsorship licence and, therefore, are unable to employ individuals residing outside of the UK or candidates living within the UK who require continued sponsorship to work in the UK.
We welcome a broad range of perspectives with a commitment to equality of opportunity by recruiting a diverse workforce, and creating an inclusive environment and a culture of belonging for everyone in Affinity Learning Partnership. Therefore, we encourage applications from underrepresented communities irrespective of age, disability, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership status, or neurodivergent status. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible through the recruitment process should this be required.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.
Safeguarding Officer in Burton upon Trent employer: The de Ferrers Academy
Affinity is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff, fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. With a strong commitment to continuous professional development, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students. Located in a vibrant community, Affinity offers a range of benefits including mental health support, generous pension schemes, and opportunities for collaborative working, ensuring that every team member feels valued and respected.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Officer in Burton upon Trent
✨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 The de Ferrers Academy.
✨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 The de Ferrers Academy!
✨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 The de Ferrers Academy, 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 The de Ferrers Academy 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 Officer in Burton upon Trent
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 The de Ferrers Academy:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The de Ferrers Academy! 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 The de Ferrers Academy
✨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.
