Safeguarding Officer

Full time permanent - £30,000 per annum - company car provided for travel - Head office based in E4 near Chingford.

Purpose of Role:
To ensure the safeguarding and welfare of asylum seekers residing in accommodation facilities, acting as point of contact for safeguarding issues. This role involves implementing safeguarding policies, managing safeguarding incidents, and working closely with internal teams and external agencies to support the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

Reports to:
Safeguarding Lead and Directors

Key Responsibilities:

Safeguarding and Incident Management:

Act as the primary contact for safeguarding concerns, addressing incidents in line with legal and organisational safeguarding policies.

Respond promptly and effectively to any safeguarding alerts, ensuring appropriate interventions and documentation.

Manage and resolve safeguarding incidents, escalating serious cases as necessary to senior management and relevant authoritie

1. Policy Implementation and Compliance:

* Ensure all safeguarding policies are adhered to, updating procedures in line with legislative changes and best practices.

* Conduct regular reviews of safeguarding practices within the accommodation, ensuring policies are communicated and understood by all staff.

* Provide guidance on safeguarding policies and maintain records to support a safe, compliant environment.

2. Liaison and Multi-Agency Coordination:

* Work closely with social services, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and other agencies to support a coordinated approach to safeguarding.

* Ensure that communication with external agencies is documented and managed efficiently, and that relevant information is shared promptly for case resolution.

3. Resident Support and Welfare Monitoring:

* Regularly engage with residents to identify potential welfare concerns and support individual safeguarding needs.

* Monitor the well-being of vulnerable residents, providing them with support and referral services when necessary.

* Ensure that appropriate support measures are in place for high-risk individuals, including unaccompanied minors or residents who may be at risk.

4. Record Keeping and Reporting:

* Maintain accurate, up-to-date records on all safeguarding cases, ensuring confidentiality and data security in compliance with data protection regulations.

* Use record-keeping and case management systems to facilitate information tracking and case follow-up.

5. Community and Cultural Sensitivity:

* Maintain cultural awareness and sensitivity when working with asylum seekers from diverse backgrounds.

* Ensure that safeguarding practices respect the cultural and individual needs of residents, promoting an inclusive and supportive environment.

* Facilitate activities and programs that enhance residents’ well-being and integration into the local community.

Qualifications:

Professional qualifications in safeguarding or child protection (e.g., Level 3 Safeguarding Training) essential

A recognised professional qualification equivalent to at least NVQ Level 4 in social work, youth work, community work.

Experience:

* Minimum of 2-3 years in a safeguarding or welfare role, ideally within a housing, social services, or educational setting.

* Demonstrated experience in case management, safeguarding policy implementation, and incident response.

* Previous experience working with vulnerable individuals, particularly asylum seekers or refugees, is an advantage.

Skills and Abilities:

* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive information and build trust with vulnerable individuals.

* Excellent organisational and administrative skills.

* Ability to work collaboratively with multi-agency partners and stakeholders.

* Knowledge of UK safeguarding legislation and best practices in safeguarding and welfare.

* Resilience and emotional intelligence, with a professional and compassionate approach to challenging situations.

Personal Qualities:

* Empathetic and committed to promoting the welfare and safety of asylum seekers.

* Proactive, responsible, and able to work independently in a dynamic environment.

* Culturally aware, with a commitment to equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practices.

Commitment to Equal Opportunities:
This role is committed to upholding equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices, fostering an inclusive and safe environment for all residents