Education Authority
Head of Safeguarding and Child Protection
Education Authority, Antrim, New Hampshire, us, 03440
Job Description
Responsible to:
Assistant Director of Pupil Well-being and Protection
Responsible for: Providing strategic leadership in relation to child and adult protection, safeguarding and inclusion; Developing and leading all aspects of assigned services including the Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) and Inter-cultural Education Service (IES) (under Review); Lead Social Worker.
Job Purpose The purpose of this job is to ensure that the Education Authority (EA) fulfils legal, professional, and inter‑agency obligations relating to child and adult safeguarding, and the inclusion of pupils, through the development, updating and implementation of safeguarding, protection and inclusion policy, procedures, and practice standards across the education sector, including, schools, EOTAS, and youth settings. The post holder will manage and lead a series of assigned services, including the Child Protection Support Service and Inter‑cultural Education Service (under review), taking a rights‑based approach to effective service delivery.
Key Responsibilities Service Leadership / Management
Lead and manage assigned well‑being and protection services, including CPSS and IES, ensuring continuous service improvement, high quality service delivery and assurance
Act as the EA’s Lead Social Worker, ensure that social workers employed by the EA are compliant with Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) standards, including supervision, training, practice and documentation
Promote rights, welfare, privacy, and consent in all safeguarding, protection and inclusion functions
Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that allegations of child and adult abuse and neglect are dealt with in adherence to legislation, EA policy, procedures and due process
Support multi‑disciplinary / inter‑agency assessments and action planning to ensure organisational and professional learning in relation to safeguarding, protection and inclusion; including Case Management Reviews, Individual Agency Reviews and Domestic Homicide Reviews
Develop staff through professional development that enhances skillsets, capacity and competence.
Work collaboratively to promote trauma‑informed approaches
Monitor and demonstrate service impact and pupil outcomes using Outcomes Based Accountability Framework
Facilitate the EA Safeguarding in Education Forum (education sector)
Manage staff, budgets, and resources equitably and effectively
Strategic Planning & Policy Influence
Ensure EA meets child and adult safeguarding and protection, and inclusion statutory obligations
Lead policy development and ensure up‑to‑date safeguarding, protection and inclusion policies
Ensure that the EA training framework for child and adult protection, safeguarding and inclusion is responsive to the needs of the education sector
Translate strategic objectives into directorate, division and service plans and targets
Promote participation of stakeholders in service planning
Represent EA on SBNI multi‑agency fora and other strategic planning and policy groups as required
Ensure regular reporting and assurances to the Directorate Management Team, Corporate Leadership team and EA Board members and Committees on child and adult safeguarding, protection and inclusion, including emerging issues, trends and demand
Corporate Leadership & Management
Promote EA values and contribute to a positive corporate culture
Provide expert and informed social work opinion and influence
Ensure CPSS and IES services align with EA policies and governance, including audit and risk management
Collaborate across directorates to address matters relating to safeguarding, protection and inclusion
Deliver high‑quality reports to EA leadership and stakeholders as required
Manage staff performance, wellbeing, supervision, and development
Lead disciplinary, capability and complaints procedures as needed
Engage with key stakeholders including schools, trade unions and public representatives
Service Development & Quality Assurance
Develop and deliver specialist services to promote educational access
Promote reflective practice
Review and update policies and procedures for regional service delivery
Facilitate inter‑agency work and share best practices and lessons learned
Keep designated safeguarding professionals in schools informed and engaged
Implement ICT systems for monitoring and reporting
Promote efficiency and evaluate resource use
Identify and secure funding for innovative projects, contributing to business cases as required
Training & Workforce Development
Oversee child and adult safeguarding, protection and inclusion training programme, resources and online content
Lead recruitment and retention of professional and administrative staff
Ensure induction, supervision, and professional development meet regulatory and best practice standards
Facilitate appropriate regulated post‑qualifying training
Governance & Financial Management
Ensure robust governance and financial controls
Monitor budgets and ensure value for money
Evaluate financial implications of service models
Act as budget holder and authorised signatory
Manage physical resources effectively
Partnership Working
Build partnerships with DE, schools, health and social care trusts, and other agencies.
Ensure regular consultation with service users, including children and parents
Influence partners to improve service effectiveness
Ensure information relating to safeguarding, protection and inclusion service information is easily accessible on the EA website and support EA communication strategies
Other Duties
Comply with EA policies and undertake additional duties as required
Promote equality and good relations in line with Section 75 of the NI Act (1998)
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Hold a professional social work qualification and be registered or provide evidence of their application to register with NISCC.
Have a minimum of five years’ experience working in a senior leadership role.
Have experience of business planning, service development informed by evidence and data analytics, and the management of financial resources within a senior leadership role.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Sound professional knowledge of current safeguarding and child protection practice opportunities and challenges within the Education Sector including legislation, regulations, guidance and inter‑agency arrangements.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Demonstrable commitment to continuous personal and professional development.
Shortlisting by Application Form
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
Additional essential criteria measured during interview/selection
Excellent leadership and management skills to build a high performing team.
Achievement against challenging targets through the engagement of teamsand solving problems through informed decision making under pressure in sensitive circumstances.
Ability to champion EA strategic priorities, support the delivery of change and drive service improvement
Strong communicator with proven skills to engage across a range of stakeholders, demonstrating successful impact.
Values Orientation Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here.
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.
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 you WILL be 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 at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.
APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.
To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Assistant Director of Pupil Well-being and Protection
Responsible for: Providing strategic leadership in relation to child and adult protection, safeguarding and inclusion; Developing and leading all aspects of assigned services including the Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) and Inter-cultural Education Service (IES) (under Review); Lead Social Worker.
Job Purpose The purpose of this job is to ensure that the Education Authority (EA) fulfils legal, professional, and inter‑agency obligations relating to child and adult safeguarding, and the inclusion of pupils, through the development, updating and implementation of safeguarding, protection and inclusion policy, procedures, and practice standards across the education sector, including, schools, EOTAS, and youth settings. The post holder will manage and lead a series of assigned services, including the Child Protection Support Service and Inter‑cultural Education Service (under review), taking a rights‑based approach to effective service delivery.
Key Responsibilities Service Leadership / Management
Lead and manage assigned well‑being and protection services, including CPSS and IES, ensuring continuous service improvement, high quality service delivery and assurance
Act as the EA’s Lead Social Worker, ensure that social workers employed by the EA are compliant with Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) standards, including supervision, training, practice and documentation
Promote rights, welfare, privacy, and consent in all safeguarding, protection and inclusion functions
Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that allegations of child and adult abuse and neglect are dealt with in adherence to legislation, EA policy, procedures and due process
Support multi‑disciplinary / inter‑agency assessments and action planning to ensure organisational and professional learning in relation to safeguarding, protection and inclusion; including Case Management Reviews, Individual Agency Reviews and Domestic Homicide Reviews
Develop staff through professional development that enhances skillsets, capacity and competence.
Work collaboratively to promote trauma‑informed approaches
Monitor and demonstrate service impact and pupil outcomes using Outcomes Based Accountability Framework
Facilitate the EA Safeguarding in Education Forum (education sector)
Manage staff, budgets, and resources equitably and effectively
Strategic Planning & Policy Influence
Ensure EA meets child and adult safeguarding and protection, and inclusion statutory obligations
Lead policy development and ensure up‑to‑date safeguarding, protection and inclusion policies
Ensure that the EA training framework for child and adult protection, safeguarding and inclusion is responsive to the needs of the education sector
Translate strategic objectives into directorate, division and service plans and targets
Promote participation of stakeholders in service planning
Represent EA on SBNI multi‑agency fora and other strategic planning and policy groups as required
Ensure regular reporting and assurances to the Directorate Management Team, Corporate Leadership team and EA Board members and Committees on child and adult safeguarding, protection and inclusion, including emerging issues, trends and demand
Corporate Leadership & Management
Promote EA values and contribute to a positive corporate culture
Provide expert and informed social work opinion and influence
Ensure CPSS and IES services align with EA policies and governance, including audit and risk management
Collaborate across directorates to address matters relating to safeguarding, protection and inclusion
Deliver high‑quality reports to EA leadership and stakeholders as required
Manage staff performance, wellbeing, supervision, and development
Lead disciplinary, capability and complaints procedures as needed
Engage with key stakeholders including schools, trade unions and public representatives
Service Development & Quality Assurance
Develop and deliver specialist services to promote educational access
Promote reflective practice
Review and update policies and procedures for regional service delivery
Facilitate inter‑agency work and share best practices and lessons learned
Keep designated safeguarding professionals in schools informed and engaged
Implement ICT systems for monitoring and reporting
Promote efficiency and evaluate resource use
Identify and secure funding for innovative projects, contributing to business cases as required
Training & Workforce Development
Oversee child and adult safeguarding, protection and inclusion training programme, resources and online content
Lead recruitment and retention of professional and administrative staff
Ensure induction, supervision, and professional development meet regulatory and best practice standards
Facilitate appropriate regulated post‑qualifying training
Governance & Financial Management
Ensure robust governance and financial controls
Monitor budgets and ensure value for money
Evaluate financial implications of service models
Act as budget holder and authorised signatory
Manage physical resources effectively
Partnership Working
Build partnerships with DE, schools, health and social care trusts, and other agencies.
Ensure regular consultation with service users, including children and parents
Influence partners to improve service effectiveness
Ensure information relating to safeguarding, protection and inclusion service information is easily accessible on the EA website and support EA communication strategies
Other Duties
Comply with EA policies and undertake additional duties as required
Promote equality and good relations in line with Section 75 of the NI Act (1998)
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Hold a professional social work qualification and be registered or provide evidence of their application to register with NISCC.
Have a minimum of five years’ experience working in a senior leadership role.
Have experience of business planning, service development informed by evidence and data analytics, and the management of financial resources within a senior leadership role.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Sound professional knowledge of current safeguarding and child protection practice opportunities and challenges within the Education Sector including legislation, regulations, guidance and inter‑agency arrangements.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Demonstrable commitment to continuous personal and professional development.
Shortlisting by Application Form
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
Additional essential criteria measured during interview/selection
Excellent leadership and management skills to build a high performing team.
Achievement against challenging targets through the engagement of teamsand solving problems through informed decision making under pressure in sensitive circumstances.
Ability to champion EA strategic priorities, support the delivery of change and drive service improvement
Strong communicator with proven skills to engage across a range of stakeholders, demonstrating successful impact.
Values Orientation Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here.
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.
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 you WILL be 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 at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.
APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.
To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr