Designated Safeguarding Officer

This new and important role will be central in supporting the work of HSBNW.  Our small team supports many families across our area and we have recognised that additional safeguarding support is needed.  Working for the scheme manager and with our board Designated Safeguarding Lead you will ensure that our safeguarding is robust.  Supporting the team to recognise and follow up on any concerns and ensuring that recording and reporting is robust.  You will have extensive experience of working with children and adults at risk, be a skilled communicator and be able to manage and support families and children with multiple complex need. Initially for a 6 month pilot, subject to funding this role is expected to become permanent.

Job Purpose

To be the main contact for safeguarding concerns

To work with the scheme manager and the Board DSL to ensure that all staff are working in line with safeguarding policies and procedures

To promote a culture of vigilance and professional curiosity amongst all staff and volunteers

To ensure that all reporting and recording of safeguarding concerns is accurate and timely

To escalate and follow up on concerns in line with policy

To report and follow up with Social Care as necessary

To work with partner agencies in line with ‘Working Together’

To be available for staff and volunteers to discuss safeguarding concerns

To work with the DSL to lead safeguarding supervision

To ensure that all staff and volunteers attend regular training update sessions

To support the Scheme Manager and wider team in all aspects of the HSBNW service

Able to provide occasional out of hours ‘on-call’ support

Person Specification

Qualifications

·         Minimum Level 4 DSO/DSL trained

·         Good standard of education

Experience

·         Minimum 12 months experience of working as a DSO/DSL

·         Working with children and adults at risk

·         Relationship building with partner agencies

·         Implementing and encouraging good safeguarding practice

·         Facilitating safeguarding supervision

·         Delivering safeguarding training

·         Able to support families balancing understanding and challenge

Skills and Knowledge

·         Robust understanding of legislation, guidance and good practice in safeguarding

·         Ensuring that’s safeguarding is imbedded in practice

·         Awareness of local and national agencies that provide safeguarding support

·         Excellent IT and database skills

·         Effective communication and interpersonal skills

·         Able to build effective working relationships with all stakeholders

Personal Qualities

·         Commitment to ensuring the safety of children and adults at risk

·         Able to work effectively under pressure

·         Commitment to equality of access