Assistant Safeguarding Co-ordinator – United Synagogue

Hours: 14 hours pw over Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur.

JOB PURPOSE

The role will be a central point of coordination regarding applications, risk assessment decisions and potentially disclosure of staff who are applying to work in the Adults’ and Children’s Workforces in the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal record check process.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Liaise with and provide support to our local Community Safeguarding Coordinators and, through them, collect details of volunteers across the US communities on a rolling basis.

• Interpret key information before assessing it to determine what risks exist to Children and/or vulnerable adults. Regular liaison with other departments both externally and internally, including key DBS agencies about applications and disclosure processes to ensure consistent delivery and standards are maintained.

• Maintain records of staff and volunteers across the US in relation to child protection.

• Liaise with our HR team to ensure appropriate DBS checks are completed.

• Organise training for Community Safeguarding Coordinators and staff.

• Refer any issues arising to the Central Child Protection team.

• Responsible for maintaining all staff and volunteer records in relation to child protection and safeguarding.

• Acting as central liaison with relevant stakeholders such as HR and CSCs

• Collecting details of child/ vulnerable adult -facing staff across the US communities on a continuous and rolling basis

• Managing the rolling renewal of accredited training

• Acting as the first point of call for CSCs should they have queries/ concerns.

• Referring any issues arising to the central Safeguarding team

• Arranging and facilitating the accredited organisational training for those staff and volunteers that require it.

• Managing the agenda and minutes for the monthly Safeguarding meetings

• Helping to maintain meticulous safeguarding records, this would require an increased level of awareness of safeguarding allegations.

• Overseeing and being the first port of call for queries around DBS checks – dealing with logistical queries (not decisions around who should be DBS checked)

• Take calls and support Chesed as and when.

GENERIC DUTIES

• Committed to the aims of the United Synagogue and act as an ambassador for the organisation.

• Comply with The United Synagogue’s policy and procedures and code of expectations.

• Bring to the attention of senior staff any health and safety requirements, which become obvious. In the event of any immediate danger, to take the appropriate action to reduce risk to physical danger to employees, members, contractors, volunteers, children, parents, visitors or staff.

• Work collaboratively with other colleagues across the organisation to ensure the United Synagogue can achieve its vision, mission, and strategy.

• Undertake appropriate training as requested by your line manager in conjunction with the Human Resources Department and be committed to own continuous professional development.

• Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Chief Executive or other designated senior staff/undertaking such other duties that occasionally fall within the purpose of the post.

• Maintaining high levels of discretion and confidentiality at all times

• This job description and person specification is not prescriptive; it merely outlines the key tasks and responsibilities of the post, and the key tasks and responsibilities are subject to change, any changes will be made in consultation with the post holder.

• This Job Description is subject to alteration in response to the changes in legislation or The United Synagogue’s operational procedures. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The person to be appointed to this post should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Proven experience in a similar role that involves processing DBS applications via agencies such as GBG Online Disclosures.

• The post holder must be a self-motivated and target-driven person, with the ability to prioritise their workload.

• Ability to collect, appraise, check and evaluate information from a wide variety of sources to risk-manage.

• The ability to work efficiently and in an organised manner with attention to detail.

• Ability to effectively manage a database.

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), including ability to draft appropriate emails to staff and volunteers across the organisation.

• Must be a good team player, to liaise with the key member of the central Child Protection team and communicate all matters arising.

• The knowledge of Confidentiality and Data Protection Act. 

For more information and to be personally recommended for this role, please contact melissa@theworkavenue.org.uk

Code: J-04+