Welfare Officer - London

Regional Talent Centre Welfare Officer

Reporting to: Head of Foundations and Safeguarding Operations

Department: Foundation   

Job Function: Welfare Officer

Main Responsibilities:

• To encourage the Regional Talent Centre to discuss and implement the Club/FA’s Safeguarding Children best practice guidelines on photography; organising travel, trips and tournaments; use of email, text, social networking sites and websites and advice for players
• To promote, support and encourage the benefits of the safeguarding children education and awareness programme
• To support all players within the centre and to record and report any issues for concern to the Head of Foundation Operations and Safeguarding
• To liaise with Head of Foundation Operations and Safeguarding Manager on all aspects of player welfare and good practice and to attend any courses deemed appropriate
• To encourage the RTC to seek children and young people’s views and to take account of these views in the development and delivery of football activities within the centre
• To participate at meetings and events organised by the Club, RTC and The FA as appropriate (e.g. Induction evenings, Club/FA continued professional development,)
• To ensure the Regional Talent Centre implement and adhere to The Club/FA’s Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures, making sure staff are aware of these policies and procedures
• To ensure the Regional Talent Centre utilise The Club/FA’s best practice guidelines on recruiting volunteers and always requesting and following up references and that all staff and volunteers with direct access to children and young people complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure via Chelsea FC
• To know who the CFA Welfare Officer is and how to contact them
• To receive and refer to the Head of Foundation Operations and Safeguarding Manager, child abuse and poor practice concerns and take action as necessary in accordance with Club/FA protocols and procedures and take any action as advised by the statutory agencies
• To ensure all referrals are recorded using the appropriate Club/FA forms and paperwork and securely retained in accordance with Club/FA policies and data protection legislation
• To ensure the Head of Foundation Operations and Safeguarding Manager and RTC Centre Manager are fully informed and updated about the actions and progress on reported concerns

Measures of Performance

• Understanding key elements of legislation around all RTC/Foundation areas of work.
• Regular evaluation and reporting on performance.
• Performance evaluated and monitored.
• Targets will be set in consultation with the Head of Community/Head of Operations & Safeguarding and these are reached.
• Feedback from all partners/staff.

Person Specification

Essential

• Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding issues including holding a current FA Safeguarding Children Workshop certificate.
• CFCF PL enhanced DBS disclosure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively in different situations with people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to listen and assess situations
• Capacity to handle confidential information sensitively
• Empathy when dealing with individuals, sometimes in demanding situations
• Commitment and ability to promote safeguarding children and sports equity principles
• Willingness to work weekends and training events when required

Desirable

• Valid UK Driving Licence and own transport
• Live within commuting distance of Cobham
• Other relevant welfare qualifications

Experience

Essential

• Ability to work in a team environment
• Experience of dealing or working with young people
• Have knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, child development and be sensitive to children’s needs

Desirable

• Experience working in an sporting environment
• Experience of implementing policies, protocols and guidance
• Social Care/Police Experience
• Knowledge of statutory organisations working in child protection