Designated Officer for Child Protection - 2 posts
Designated Officer for Child Protection - 2 posts
Employer Active
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Share
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Purpose
To develop update and provide training of to appropriate board staff and personnel in schools in child protection matters.
To provide advice and support to schools on all aspects of child protection and to facilitate capacity building within schools on child protection matters.
To liaise with professionals in Health and Social Services and other agencies in relation to the establishment of multi-agency working in child protection.
To assist the Head of Service in the management and development of the service in accordance with legislation Department of Education guidance and the Education Authority (EA) policy and procedures.
To deputise for the Head of Service as required.
Protection
1.1 In conjunction with the Head of Service to prepare review and regularly update board policy and procedures on child protection in line with legislation.
1.2 To have and maintain a high level of knowledge of child protection issues (policies procedures research and training).
1.3 To provide training so that all relevant staff employed by the EA are aware of child protection procedures.
1.4 In consultation with the Manager of Child Protection Services to be responsible for the design organisation and delivery of training of all EA staff and all personnel in schools in all aspects of child protection.
1.5 To work on a regional basis to provide a telephone advice service on all issues relating to child protection.
1.6 To take the lead in the development of sector specific cluster/support groups for designated teachers of child protection.
1.7 To work with other EA services to review and develop pupils education in child protection
1.8 To represent the EA on Area Child Protection Panels and appropriate sub-groups.
1.9 To represent the EA at the Safeguarding Board NI subgroups.
1.10 To represent the EA at multi agency meetings and DOCPEG (designated officers in child protection education group) sub groups as required.
1.11 To participate in monitoring and auditing the service provided by the CPSS.
1.12 To liaise with professionals in Health and Social Services and PSNI in relation to the establishment of multi-agency working in child protection.
1.13 To develop child protection training on a multi-agency basis.
2 Management
2.1 To be an effective member of the CPSS team and to take on an active role in the strategic management of the work through designated membership of specific task groups.
2.2 To assist and deputise for the head of service as appropriate and in times of absence.
2.3 To be responsible for the management of finances as directed by the Head of Service.
2.4 To assist the Head of Service in the strategic planning of the CPSS through the monitoring evaluation and updating of business plans.
2.5 To maintain and develop the CPSS in consultation with the Head of Service so that service targets are consistent with the EA strategic plan.
2.6 To be responsible for the delivery of effective and efficient service to school safeguarding teams and EA staff.
2.7 To undertake the mentoring of new staff within the CPSS as required.
3 Statutory Requirements
3.1 To have relevant knowledge of current and proposed education and child care legislation and the implications for the work of the EA.
3.2 To ensure that EA and school staff are conversant with current legislation and regulations relating to child employment and performance licences.
3.3 To ensure the EA CPSS meets the statutory duties under The Children (NI) Order 1995 the Safeguarding Board (Northern Ireland) Act 2012 and statutory guidance Co-operating to Safeguard Children and Young People (Department of Health 2017) and Department of Education circular 2017/04 Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools.
3.4 To represent the EA as necessary in court proceedings relating to Child Protection and Safeguarding.
4 Research and Development
4.1 In consultation with the Head of Service to take a lead role in the development and delivery of in-service training for education welfare officers.
4.2 To undertake the on-going evaluation of in-service training and annual training needs analysis of School Safeguarding Teams and the EA staff.
4.3 To be responsible for the development of links with other statutory/voluntary agencies in order to facilitate good co-ordination communication and participation in multi-disciplinary initiatives.
5 Any Other Duties
5.1 The Designated Officer for Child Protection will be required to complete other duties at times in accordance with the demands of the Head of Service.
This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998) the post-holder is expected to promote good relations equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.
Posts involving work in educational institutions are subject to the provisions of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. The successful applicant will require an enhanced disclosure check which at present costs 33. Further details regarding the payment of this check will be issued with the contract of employment.
To view the summary of terms and conditions for this postclick here.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question how and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria where relevant.
2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications unless the criteria state otherwise.
3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below using the information provided by you on your application form.
5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
6. In the event of an excessive number of applications the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria.
Section 1 - Essential Criteria
The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and whichmay also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Hold a professional Social Work qualification as recognised by NISCC OR be qualified in accordance with JNC for education and library boards circular no 38
Be registered or have applied for registration on the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) Social Care Register
Shortlisting by Application Form
Have three years experience working as an Education Welfare officer and/or of child protection in a social work setting
Have one years experience managing and supervising staff
Demonstrable experience of dealing with safeguarding and child protection concerns
Shortlisting by Application Form
Shortlisting by Application Form
The successful candidate will be required:
to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion;
OR
be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Section 2 - Essential Criteria
The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EAs Game Changing People Model.
Experience
Knowledge of Relevant legislation policy and procedures in relation to child protection and safeguarding
Interview
Abilities
In line with EAs Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of:
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Work effectively with school staff and management and other relevant professionals
Ability to lead and motivate others as part of a team
Ability to use own initiative solve problems be proactive and deliver effective results on time
Interview
Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EAs ethos and values. You will find information about our Valueshere.
Interview
Section 3 - Desirable Criteria
Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Have one years experience as a senior practitioner or Senior Education Welfare Officer
Demonstrable experience in addressing child protection issues in an educational setting
Demonstrable experience of designing and delivering adult training programmes
Shortlisting by Application Form
Our Values
Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.
DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as regulated activity.
In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves regulated activity the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that youWILLbe expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.
Further information can be accessed on GUIDANCE NOTES
To view the applicant guidance notes please clickhere.
To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority click here.
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
Employment Type
Full Time
