Safeguarding Officer and Welfare Advisor

We are seeking a dedicated Student Welfare Officer to act as the initial safeguarding officer and support vulnerable and at-risk students. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading student services activities, maintaining detailed records, and acting as a key contact for non-academic issues affecting student progress. This role requires a proactive approach to student welfare and a commitment to continuous improvement in support services.

• Location: Newham, London (with potential future relocation within the college)
• Job Type: Full-time
• Salary: £33,971.00

Day to Day of the Role:

• Serve as the initial point of contact for safeguarding concerns, supporting vulnerable and at-risk students.
• Lead on student services activities, events, and reports, providing specialist information and resources.
• Maintain detailed records of work with students, including safeguarding forms and referrals, and report on these activities as requested.
• Act as a liaison for students on non-academic issues, advocating on their behalf and ensuring effective referrals to counselling and support services.
• Collaborate with colleagues to arrange and staff student events, such as enrolment, open evenings, and job fairs.
• Develop expert knowledge of student welfare and finance, staying informed of changes in relevant areas and communicating these to the college community.
• Create and maintain links with local and national support agencies, referring students as necessary.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience providing an advice service within an educational context.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, including current issues such as CSE, Forced Marriage, Radicalisation, and FGM.
• Experience making safeguarding referrals and liaising with external agencies.
• Understanding of students’ physical, social, and emotional needs.
• Up-to-date knowledge of welfare issues and benefits legislation relevant to students.
• Degree level education or equivalent with post-qualification work experience.
• Safeguarding training at Level 2/3.
• Advice & guidance qualification at NVQ Level 3 or 4, or equivalent.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and administrative skills.
• Proficiency in IT, including Google Suite and internet research.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and the special needs of those seeking advice.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Supportive and inclusive work environment.
• Commitment to equality and diversity.

An enhanced DBS is required for this position, please apply with your updated cv and availability to work and interview.