MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE:
- You will be instrumental in delivering a service which will contribute to the best outcomes for the children and young people who are cared for within the Compass Community Group. Through working with colleagues within the service and partner agencies you will ensure we are able to provide support and protection for children and young people.
- To independently continuously review safeguarding arrangements provided to children and young people which leads to a positive and lasting difference to children’s lives.
- To review all allegations made against staff
- To review risk management plans for children and offer support where required to improve the skill of assessing risk
- To provide training where required on safeguarding children
- To investigate complaints and allegations across Education and where necessary in other services
- To ensure that safeguarding processes are embedded and adhered to across the service which exceeds regulatory standards and requirements and keeps the children and young people in our care safe whilst driving a programme of work that measures children’s outcomes in a meaningful way.
- To work in partnership with the school and team to minimise risk by ensuring regular reviews are in place
- To deliver workshops where appropriate to improve awareness of the role of safeguarding
- To understand and contribute to the organisations’ strategic plan by ensuring that all stakeholders understand and values Compass’ overriding commitment to children, their safety and the belief that embedding a safeguarding culture will drive organisational growth and development at all levels.
- To provide a comprehensive, flexible and high-quality service to children and young people in our care using legal, regulatory and statutory guidance to inform practice decisions and to safeguard and protectagainst harm.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- To work in collaboration with the operational colleagues to ensure that safeguarding practice and quality standards are adhered to and underpinned by continuous improvement
- To review safeguarding systems that record safeguarding incidents and events monthly
- To visit residential homes
- To mentor, support and challenge where safeguarding requires improvements
- To ensure that all paperwork produced in each service is to a high standard and evidence that children and young people in our care are being looked after safely.
- To drive a safeguarding culture and help create an environment of continuous improvement where safety is demonstrated through robust quality assurance and compliance processes which includes the recruitment, induction, supervision and appraisal process in line with organisational policy.
- Ensure that recording and documentation demonstrates social work theory and practice, underpinned by analysis of information, inquisitive questioning and on-going reflective practice.
- To ensure that communication and decision making in relation to quality and practice is effectively cascaded, monitored and reviewed in order to drive business and practice growth.
- Demonstrate commitment to group learning and a feedback loop to respond to “lessons learnt” within the Compass Community.
- To continually support the development of management information systems to ensure that safeguarding is managed effectively.
- To advise and recommend strategies and policy developments to support and develop safeguarding across the group.
- To be part of an office duty system.
- To provide a comprehensive, flexible and high-quality service to children and young people in our care using legal, regulatory and statutory guidance to inform practice decisions and to safeguard and protect against harm.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION – ROLE SPECIFIC
- Degree or equivalent social work qualification.
- Post graduate experience preferable.
- Membership of relevant professional body.
- Proven track record of delivering successful outcomes for children.
- Excellent knowledge of childcare legislation; specifically, the Regulations and Standards for Fostering.
- Enthusiasm for developing and improving the groups services to Good/Outstanding Ofsted rating.
- Successful management of competing priorities.
- Understanding responsibilities in protecting their own health, safety and wellbeing and that of their colleagues and others.
Managing Change
- Generate ideas for change to make improvements to services
- Exhibits ability to respond change constructively
- Effectively communicates the reason / need for change, involving others in the process and assessing the impact of change
The details contained in this Job Description are not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different duties commensurate with the level of the post as required by the organisation and the overall objectives of the group. The nature of the agency business means that tasks and responsibilities are sometimes unpredictable therefore colleagues are expected to work flexibly when the occasion arises. Travel is expected as part of this role including travel to other Compass Community offices.
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