At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead child protection initiatives and ensure the safety of vulnerable children and young people.
- Company: West Lothian Council, committed to diversity and community welfare.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid role with potential for home working and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and 5 years in public protection required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
36 hrs per week, 52.14 weeks per year - Permanent
We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
West Lothian Council are looking for an individual who has a combination of professional knowledge, leadership ability, interpersonal skills and personal qualities to manage the complex safeguarding responsibilities attributed to the Child Protection Lead Officer role. The Lead Officer will support the implementation of the core functions of the Child Protection Committee consistent with section 4.13 Protecting Children and Young People: Child Protection Committees, 2005.
Directly accountable to the Child Protection Committee and managed by the Chairperson, the Lead Officer will be responsible for maintaining an independent overview of inter-agency child protection activity and will take the lead role in ensuring continuous improvement. The Lead Officer will play a key role in the promotion of good practice by assisting in the development and implementation of quality assurance mechanisms and ensuring these contribute to improved outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
The Lead Officer will ensure the CPC is informed of national developments, including changes in legislation, Scottish Executive policies, regulations and guidance; research evidence and best practice examples in child protection. With direct reporting responsibility to the CPC and to Chief Officers through the CPC, the Lead Officer will compile evidence-based reports reflecting key indicators of performance and standards of practice in child protection.
Applicants must be educated to degree level with a relevant professional qualification in Social Work, Health, Education, Law enforcement or Legal Practice. A minimum of 5 years working in a public protection setting is also required.
This post is categorised as a hybrid post under the Council’s Flexible Working Scheme, which allows for up to two days home working per week. This position requires registration with the SSSC. The successful candidate will have six months from the date of commencement of this post to become registered with the SSSC. SSSC stipulate you must submit your application within three months of your start date. If you are already registered with SSSC you will be required to add West Lothian Council to your account.
This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Successful candidates will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment and the cost will be met by the candidate. The fee for a Full PVG Scheme Membership is £59 or Existing Member is £18. The £59 cost (where appropriate) will be deducted from your salary over a 1 or 3 month period by repayment schedule. If your employment concludes before the amount is re-paid in full, the outstanding balance will be deducted from your final salary.
Child Protection Lead Officer, West Lothian Civic Centre, 505.17 - WEL10441 in Livingston employer: West Lothian Council
West Lothian Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. As a Child Protection Lead Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children and young people while benefiting from flexible working arrangements and professional growth opportunities within a dynamic team. The council's commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to best practices ensures that you will be part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to safeguarding the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child Protection Lead Officer, West Lothian Civic Centre, 505.17 - WEL10441 in Livingston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your field, especially those already working in child protection. Attend local events or online webinars to make connections and learn about potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching West Lothian Council and their child protection initiatives. Show us you’re passionate about safeguarding children and have a solid understanding of the role's responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience and how it aligns with the Lead Officer role. Confidence is key, so let your personality shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Child Protection Lead Officer, West Lothian Civic Centre, 505.17 - WEL10441 in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for child protection shine through. We want to see why you care about safeguarding vulnerable children and young people, so share your personal experiences or motivations that drive you to apply for this role.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Child Protection Lead Officer position. Highlight your relevant qualifications, experience in public protection settings, and any leadership roles you've held. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your written application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your skills and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Lothian Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key responsibilities of the Child Protection Lead Officer role. Familiarise yourself with the core functions of the Child Protection Committee and relevant legislation. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in public protection settings. Think of specific examples where you've demonstrated leadership, managed safeguarding responsibilities, or contributed to quality assurance mechanisms. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
As a Child Protection Lead Officer, you'll need strong interpersonal skills. Be ready to talk about how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders, including children, families, and other professionals. Highlight any experiences where you've resolved conflicts or built relationships.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Consider asking about the current challenges the Child Protection Committee is facing or how they measure success in this role.
