Diocesan Safeguarding Caseworker

Role Profile:

The Diocese has a vision of Living Hope for the city, towns and villages of Nottinghamshire and beyond and is committed to its mission of Growing Disciples of Christ with Compassion, Confidence and Courage. This role will serve and equip the Diocese to live out this vision safely. The role is to assist the Diocesan Safeguarding Team to triage, assess and investigate all safeguarding allegations and concerns, this will require appropriate referrals to statutory authorities and providing advice and support to churches within the diocese. The role has a particular focus on supporting those with lived experience of trauma, survivors and victims of abuse.

Key Relationships:

The post holder is an employee of the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) and will report to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO). Internal and external relationships include: Bishop's office and staff team, Diocesan staff and senior leaders, the Independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP), those in licensed and authorised ministry, Clergy, Church Officers and Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSO), Statutory services such as social care, LADO, probation and police, Personnel from other dioceses, Service users (including survivors, victims and complainants) and National Safeguarding Team including Regional Safeguarding Lead.

Main Activities and Responsibilities:

• Undertake safeguarding casework on behalf of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST) to ensure all case work undertaken by the DST is in accordance with the House of Bishop safeguarding policy and guidance and attend safeguarding meetings as necessary.
• Provide professional safeguarding advice and support.
• Work as directed by the DSO with statutory agencies and other organisations in safeguarding cases connected to the diocese or parishes, to ensure that an appropriate and coordinated response is made to those who have suffered abuse or have perpetrated abuse.
• To take the lead role in assessing Blemished DBS applications and assessments of risk.
• Give advice, information and support to victim/survivors of abuse and identify any need for support, bringing to the attention of the DSO any gaps in provision and to work with the ADSO in establishing a resource bank of support for survivors.
• To lead with the development and implementation of a Survivor Strategy to encourage engagement and support.
• To work alongside the Safeguarding Trainer in the provision of safeguarding training in line with national policy to ensure that all those working as church officers are suitably trained.
• Assist the DSO and the ADSO to provide information and guidance to contribute to the effective work of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel DSAP , developing and maintaining a good working relationship with the Independent Chair.
• Give advice, information and support to PCCs and parish safeguarding officers on the implementation of House of Bishop's safeguarding policy and practice guidance.
• To promote the highest standards of safeguarding practice and bring to the attention of the DSO where there are disputes and non-compliance.
• Ensure that all records are kept accurately, securely and in line with National Policy.
• Work collaboratively with the National Safeguarding Team and attend national / regional events and activities, as agreed with the DSO.

Person Specification:

See attached job pack.