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- Tasks: Support student welfare, manage cases, and coordinate safeguarding processes.
- Company: The University of Sheffield, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in student welfare and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 36636 £ per year.
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world‑class university. We offer a range of benefits:
- Highly competitive annual leave entitlement, with the ability to purchase more
- Generous pensions scheme
- Flexible working opportunities
- Commitment to development and well‑being
- Wide range of retail discounts
Overview
The Safeguarding and Welfare team is responsible for safeguarding, preventing and reporting activities, oversight of student cases and procedures relating to sexual violence and harassment, and coordination of processes such as the Risk Assessment Panel. The Safeguarding and Welfare Officers support the team by managing caseloads, liaising with staff and students, and providing administrative support.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload, referring staff and students to relevant processes and policies within the Safeguarding and Welfare team and across the University, including meeting with students to discuss their support needs as required.
- Act as a Sexual Violence Support Officer (SVSO), supporting students who have experienced sexual violence or harassment.
- Support the Section Lead and Safeguarding and Welfare Managers in managing cases as directed.
- Work with the team Administrator to triage information and cases into the team.
- Prepare agendas and write minutes as required.
- Lead the capture of feedback and data, and assist with coordinating service reports.
- Create and maintain information relating to the Safeguarding and Welfare team.
- Provide support for complex cases and events, including support to students in the event of a student death or critical incident.
- Support the administration of key training for staff and students, including consent training.
- Liaise with other departments to ensure support for students, e.g., Student Mental Health, Counselling and Therapies Service, University Health Service, Residence Life, and Dyslexia and Disability Support Services.
- Ensure accurate record keeping and appropriate storage of information.
- Support the team’s delivery by creating materials and processes and providing finance and recruitment support when needed.
- Maintain a flexible approach to duties as the role may evolve to reflect changing needs of the team.
- Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply.
Essential Criteria
- Experience in working in an environment supporting the welfare of students or young people.
- Experience in handling sensitive information and situations and managing responses in difficult circumstances.
- Knowledge and understanding of current issues and context within higher education.
- Experience of triaging information and delivering a high level of customer service.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Experience of preparing agendas and minutes.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to demonstrate a high standard of professional administration.
- Confident and professional manner and ability to act with discretion and diplomacy.
- Awareness and understanding of safeguarding, prevent and other related regulation, legislation and policies.
- Ability to interpret information and know when to take initiative, when to escalate or refer to other colleagues.
- Aware of managing or assessing risk.
Other Details
- Grade: 6
- Salary: £32,080 – £36,636
- Work arrangement: Full time
- Line manager: Section Lead – Safeguarding and Welfare
- EEO Statement: We are a Disability Confident Leader and a University of Sheffield International Office of Equal Opportunity.
Safeguarding and Welfare Officer employer: The University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding and Welfare Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Sheffield on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching safeguarding practices and current issues in higher education. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but that we’re passionate about making a difference in students' lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to welfare and safeguarding. We can even do mock interviews with friends or family to boost our confidence and refine our answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at the University of Sheffield.
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding and Welfare Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Safeguarding and Welfare Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your written application reflects that. Keep it clear, concise, and professional while also showing your personality. We want to see how you express yourself!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any past experiences that relate to supporting students or handling sensitive situations. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team and support our diverse community.
Proofread Before Submitting: Before hitting that submit button, take a moment to proofread your application. Typos and errors can distract from your message, so let’s make sure everything is polished and professional. Apply through our website to ensure we get your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the safeguarding and welfare policies relevant to the role. Brush up on current issues in higher education, especially those affecting student welfare. This will show that you’re not just interested in the job, but that you understand its importance.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
As a Safeguarding and Welfare Officer, you'll be dealing with sensitive situations. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy and handled difficult conversations. This will demonstrate your ability to support students effectively.
✨Communication is Key
Practice your communication skills, both verbal and written. You might be asked to prepare agendas or write minutes during the interview, so being clear and concise is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your responses.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to safeguarding and welfare. Think about how you would handle various scenarios, such as managing a caseload or supporting a student in crisis. This will help you showcase your problem-solving skills and initiative.