Safeguarding and Pastoral Support Officer

We are currently seeking a passionate and dedicated Safeguarding and Pastoral Officer to join our team in our specialist college in Manchester. As part of the safeguarding team, you will have the opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of our learners and their families, helping them overcome challenges and keeping them safe from harm. You will also have the opportunity to support staff to help their learners reach their full potential.

Role Responsibilities 

• Be the college’s DDSL reporting to the College Principal and DSL.
• Supporting the college delivery team on all safeguarding and pastoral matters
• To respond to safeguarding concerns in a timely manner, prioritising concerns and alerting the appropriate services.
• Representing the organisation at professional meetings for our learners
• Advocating for our learners
• Signposting staff, learners and families on relevant support or educating in specific key areas of safeguarding and pastoral matters
• Upholding high standards and expectations throughout the organisation
• To communicate effectively with external partners and stakeholders
• To promote engagement with parents and/or carers
• To promote the welfare of children and adults
• Keep up to date with current legislation
• Support staff meetings, inset days, communicating information to the wider college
  community
• Maintain detailed, accurate records and documentation
• Participate in CPD

Skills & Abilities

• An empathetic and patient approach
• To be resilient and passionate about safeguarding
• To be organised with the ability to manage own timetable – ability to prioritise workload
• To be approachable
• Strong understanding of child and adult safeguarding
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to write reports in a timely manner demonstrating strong literacy skills.
• Ability to advocate for our learners in a professional manner
• To be able to work under pressure whilst remaining calm.
• Making decisive and clear judgements on safeguarding matters -understanding accountability and gravitas of decisions made in a safeguarding context.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and discretion.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in a relevant field
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience of safeguarding in an education setting
• Excellent English and maths abilities
• Proficient in using technology and digital tools
• Knowledge of safeguarding processes and procedures
• A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle to travel to students & locations (with business insurance)

Desirable

• Level 3 safeguarding training
• Management experience

Behaviours & Attitude 

• Demonstrate our Values. Passion, Performance, Trust, Respect
• Actively promote and exemplify our organisations values in all interactions with learners, families, staff and external partner agencies.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build rapport with learners and their families.
• A collaborative mindset, able to work as part of a team while also being self-motivated to take initiative when necessary.

To apply please send a letter of interest outlining why you would be a great mentor and/or send your CV to michelleb@navigators.org.uk.