At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people's safety and wellbeing while managing safeguarding concerns.
- Company: Join Wiltshire College & University Centre, a vital part of the local community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and access to discounts and pension schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and contribute to their wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding or student support, with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and training.
The predicted salary is between 15050 - 25522 £ per year.
Location: Chippenham
Salary: £15,050 per annum, pro rata of full time equivalent (FTE) £25,522 per annum
Job Type: Permanent, Part Time 25 hours per week, Term Time Only 36+2 weeks per year (hours will be worked over a 5-day week)
About Us:
Wiltshire College & University Centre plays a vital role in Wiltshire’s economy, inspiring people to develop the skills they need to achieve. Our four main campuses are learning hubs in their communities, and we aspire to be an outstanding, financially robust and commercially agile provider, achieving our clear social mission on behalf of learners and employers across Wiltshire and beyond.
Safeguarding Officer – The Role:
Are you passionate about supporting young people and ensuring their safety and wellbeing? Wiltshire College & University Centre is seeking a dedicated Safeguarding Officer to join our Safeguarding Team at our Chippenham campus. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with a strong sense of care, excellent organisational skills, and a proactive approach to student support.
You will support the Safeguarding Team in ensuring the continued effectiveness of the college’s safeguarding provision. This includes managing low-level safeguarding concerns, undertaking key administrative tasks, and proactively responding to mental health and wellbeing needs.
Safeguarding Officer – Key Responsibilities:
- Managing a caseload of low-level safeguarding concerns with professionalism and in line with college policies.
- Maintaining accurate and confidential records on MyConcern, the college’s safeguarding database.
- Appropriately escalating higher-risk safeguarding concerns to relevant leads or external agencies.
- Liaising with tutors, Wellbeing Advisers, parents/carers, and external partners to support student wellbeing.
- Using Mental Health First Aid training to provide crisis support and de-escalate situations.
- Referring students to internal and external mental health services, ensuring timely intervention.
- Identifying trends in student concerns and contribute to preventative and early-intervention strategies.
- Organise and minute safeguarding meetings, such as the Safeguarding Action Group.
- Assisting in risk assessments and processes relating to student applications with criminal convictions or safeguarding concerns.
- Preparing safeguarding data reports and updates for Senior and College Leadership Teams.
Safeguarding Officer – You:
To excel in this role, you should have:
- Experience in a safeguarding, pastoral, wellbeing, or student support role.
- Knowledge of safeguarding legislation, procedures, and best practice (training provided).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Confidence using databases and digital systems (experience with MyConcern is an advantage).
- Mental Health First Aid trained or willingness to undertake training.
Essential Qualifications:
- To hold Level 2 English and Maths (or equivalent, GCSE A-C)
- Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject or equivalent knowledge and experience
- Commitment to and evidence of CPD
Safeguarding Officer - Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- 30 days, pro rata annual leave for Professional Service Staff plus bank holidays and additional closure days over the Christmas period
- Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Discounts with a wide variety of retailers
- Free onsite car parking
Safeguarding Officer – Application Process:
Wiltshire College & University Centre follows Safer Recruitment Guidance outlined by the Department for Education in ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’. This involves conducting enhanced DBS checks, including checks against the children’s barred list, and other employment verifications, including an online presence review for shortlisted candidates.
We embrace diversity, recognising the valuable perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and cultures individuals from different backgrounds bring. Committed to safeguarding, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we pledge to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a job vacancy and assess them based on their abilities.
To submit your application for this exciting Safeguarding Officer opportunity, please click ‘Apply’ now.
CLOSING DATE: 8th December
SHORTLIST DATE: 9th December
INTERVIEW DATE: TBC
Safeguarding Officer in Bath employer: Wiltshire College & University Centre
Contact Detail:
Wiltshire College & University Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Officer in Bath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those involved in safeguarding. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Wiltshire College & University Centre. Understand their values and mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've handled safeguarding concerns or supported students in the past. Real-life stories make your application memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Wiltshire College & University Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Officer in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Safeguarding Officer role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through in your written application. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding and student wellbeing.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Proofread Before Submitting: Always double-check your application for spelling and grammar mistakes. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is crucial for a role like this. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire College & University Centre
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on safeguarding legislation and best practices before the interview. Familiarise yourself with the college's policies and be ready to discuss how you would handle low-level safeguarding concerns.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Safeguarding Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with students, parents, and external partners. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated in past roles, especially in sensitive situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
You'll be managing a caseload and maintaining accurate records, so be prepared to talk about your organisational strategies. Bring examples of how you've kept track of multiple tasks or cases in previous jobs.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about potential safeguarding situations and how you would respond, showing your proactive approach to student wellbeing.