Are you an experienced social worker with a deep understanding of safeguarding and a passion for improving the lives of children and young people? Do you thrive in a role where you can influence practice, build safeguarding cultures, and make a real difference?
Compass Community is a national, values-led provider of care and education for children and young people. We are seeking a skilled and motivated Advanced Safeguarding Social Work Practitioner to take a leading role in safeguarding across our Residential Services.
This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the highest standards of protection, care, and support for the children and young people living in our homes.
About the Role
You will play a central role in shaping and strengthening safeguarding practice across our residential services. Working closely with operational colleagues and partner agencies, you will ensure that safeguarding systems are robust, proactive, and compliant with regulatory standards—always focused on achieving the best outcomes for children.
This role demands strong investigative skills, strategic thinking, and a passion for driving continuous improvement. You will provide direct input into training, policy development, and the ongoing support and supervision of staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Independently review safeguarding arrangements to ensure children and young people are protected and supported effectively.
- Regularly review safeguarding systems, incident logs, risk assessments, and quality assurance reports across our residential homes.
- Lead and support investigations into allegations or complaints involving residential staff.
- Provide mentoring, support, and professional challenge where safeguarding requires improvement.
- Deliver training and workshops on safeguarding practices, policy updates, and risk assessment skills.
- Visit residential homes frequently to assess safeguarding culture, observe practice, and support staff.
- Ensure all safeguarding documentation is of high quality and reflects reflective, analytical social work practice.
- Collaborate with colleagues across services to promote consistent safeguarding standards and a learning culture.
- Contribute to the development of safeguarding strategies and policies across the organisation.
- Play an active role in a duty system providing responsive safeguarding support as needed.
- Work flexibly and travel regularly to Compass Community offices and homes as required.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- A recognised Social Work qualification and registration with a relevant professional body.
- Substantial post-qualification experience in safeguarding, ideally in residential or care settings.
- Strong knowledge of childcare legislation, including the Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
- Proven experience of managing safeguarding concerns, complaints, and staff allegations.
- A track record of delivering successful outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and lead by example.
- Excellent interpersonal, mentoring, and communication skills.
Desirable:
- Postgraduate qualification in a relevant area (e.g., safeguarding, social care leadership).
- Knowledge of fostering legislation and standards.
- Experience supporting services through Ofsted inspections to achieve Good or Outstanding outcomes.
Why Join Compass?
We are a supportive, inclusive organisation that puts children—and our people—at the centre of everything we do. In return for your commitment, we offer:
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 28 days within 4 years, plus all bank holidays.
- Additional 2.5 days each year for your birthday, a health and wellbeing day and a half day festive shopping day.
- Life Assurance Scheme. Named beneficiaries qualify for 3x annual salary after successful completion of probationary.
- A contributory pension scheme.
- Cashback for various medical appointments & treatments including optical and dental with MediCash
- Excellent career development opportunities in a growing and ambitious service.
- Team days and staff engagement activities.
- A culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.
Compass is committed to creating a safe workforce. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.
Compass is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As we continue to grow, we know that we must have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our children and young people.