Safeguarding Case Officer

Safeguarding Case Officer

The Church of Ireland is seeking to appoint a Safeguarding Case Officer (Case Officer). The Case Officer will support the parishes and dioceses across the Church of Ireland where there is a child or adult safeguarding concern. The Church of Ireland operates across the island of Ireland and Case Work is managed on an all-island basis. The Case Officer will report to the Church of Ireland Safeguarding Manager for Case Work.

The Case Officer will support parishes and dioceses in the managing of case files, providing case notes to Diocesan Offices and for ensuring that reports of allegations or concerns of abuse are referred to Child, or Adult Protection Gateway Services at the Health and Social Care Trusts (NI) or Tusla/HSE (ROI) and/or Police Service of Northern Ireland/An Garda Síochána, (statutory authorities).

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Liaising with the Diocesan Bishop, or relevant appointed people, in relation to reports made about church personnel
• Consulting with the Safeguarding Manager for Casework in relation to allegations as required
• Supporting parishes and dioceses in the implementation of safeguarding agreements with offenders/persons of concern who wish to attend church
• Liaising with the Case Management Committee as relevant
• Advising on support for complainants and respondents where allegations have been made
• Providing case management reports for diocesan files
• Ensuring that allegations of child abuse or adult protection concerns are reported (which meet the threshold for reporting) to the statutory authorities
• Maintaining contact with the statutory authorities and other relevant agencies
• Assist with risk management procedures including any internal inquiries (following statutory investigations) as required
• Advising the Church of Ireland, lay people/employees/volunteers/clergy/bishops on safeguarding matters within the limits of confidentiality
• Attending relevant training
• Any other duties as decided by the Safeguarding Manager for Casework

Candidate Profile

Education and Training

Essential

• Qualification in social work, child protection, adult protection, a related discipline, or a police officer with relevant experience

Desirable

• Training in risk management, conducting investigations and child protection case report writing.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of child protection and adult safeguarding legislation and policy, investigations or case management processes.
• Experience of assessing child protection and adult safeguarding referrals.

Desirable

• Safeguarding experience in the faith or voluntary sector.
• Experience of safeguarding practice in either jurisdiction of Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Good communication and report writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to listen and influence decisions.

Other

Essential

• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to live and work in Northern Ireland.
• Have access to a car and willing to travel in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland as necessary.

The Representative Church Body reserves the right to amend these criteria for the purposes of shortlisting.  Any amendments to the criteria will be applied equally to all candidates.

Terms and Conditions of Appointment:

Appointment: This is a permanent position.

Hours of work:  Full time (core 35 hours per week).

Location:  Based in Belfast.

Remuneration:  Dependent on experience/qualifications.

Applications

To apply please send your cv to recruit@rcbcoi.org by Friday 30th May.