Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer

Education Partnership; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Hartlepool is seeking a Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer on maternity cover. The role involves providing essential support to students facing personal and emotional challenges, acting as a Designated Safeguarding and Prevent Officer, and collaborating with multi-agency teams. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience with young people, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage sensitive situations. In return, you will receive a generous benefits package including ample holiday and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Flexible working options

Pension scheme

Access to wellbeing support

Free gym access

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in careers guidance, youth work, social work or counselling.
• Experience supporting young people or vulnerable adults in an educational setting.
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and child protection procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide safeguarding and wellbeing support for students.
• Act as a Designated Safeguarding and Prevent Officer.
• Work with teams to ensure effective support and risk management plans.

Skills

Compassion

Empathy

Crisis Management

Excellent Communication

Organisational Skills

Education

Recognised professional qualification in working with young people

NVQ Level 4 qualification relevant to working with young people

GCSE English and Maths (A*–C or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer (Maternity Cover)

Student Services Sunderland & Hartlepool

Location: Hartlepool

PostType: Full Time Term Time

ContractType: Fixed Term - 12 Months

ClosingDate: 23.59 hours GMT on Tuesday 27 January 2026

Reference: 0981-25

About the College

Hartlepool Sixth Form is the top performing Sixth Form college in the North East for student achievement, with 100% pass rate for over 30 courses and 98% of our student progressing to either College or employment.

Here in Hartlepool, we have been delivering highly successful courses for more than 50 years as the only dedicated sixth form college in the area. Situated on the outskirts of the town centre, we have excellent facilities for both academic and vocational study with excellent sports facilities, fully equipped science labs, and have recently invested in a new digital academy and a health simulation ward.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

About the Candidate

We’re looking for a compassionate and resilient safeguarding professional who can build trust and rapport with young people, colleagues, and external partners. The ideal candidate will demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and integrity — with the confidence to manage sensitive and sometimes complex situations calmly and effectively.

They will embody our college values, ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and able to achieve their full potential. With strong interpersonal skills and a proactive, solution-focused approach, they will act as an advocate for students, championing wellbeing and safeguarding across college life.

This person will make a lasting impact by empowering young people to overcome barriers and thrive in education. They will drive positive change through early intervention, multi-agency collaboration, and meaningful support that strengthens safety, wellbeing, and inclusion for all students.

About the Role

The Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer (Intensive Support) plays a key role within the Student Services team at Hartlepool Sixth Form and wider, providing targeted support to students experiencing personal, emotional or social challenges that may affect their learning and wellbeing.

This maternity cover post offers a unique opportunity to apply specialist safeguarding expertise and gain experience across multi-agency networks, case management, and wellbeing strategy delivery. The postholder will act as a Designated Safeguarding and Prevent Officer, responding to concerns, delivering early interventions, and contributing to a culture of safety and support.

As part of a forward-thinking college group, you’ll have access to ongoing professional development, including safeguarding training, cross-college collaboration, and the chance to shape campaigns that promote mental health, diversity, and British Values.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group safeguarding and wellbeing support for students with personal, emotional, or social barriers to learning.
• Act as a Designated Safeguarding and Prevent Officer — managing referrals, liaising with statutory agencies, and maintaining accurate case records.
• Work closely with curriculum, pastoral, and learning support teams to ensure effective support and risk management plans are in place.
• Contribute to college-wide wellbeing campaigns and initiatives that promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and British Values.
• Represent the College at multi-agency meetings such as Child Protection Conferences, CIN reviews, and MASH discussions.
• Support the ongoing development and implementation of safeguarding and wellbeing policies and procedures across college sites.

Qualifications

• A recognised professional qualification in working with young people (e.g. careers guidance, youth work, social work, education, counselling) or a relevant degree.
• NVQ Level 4 qualification relevant to working with young people.
• GCSE English and Maths (A*–C or equivalent).
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Recognised safeguarding qualification (or willingness to undertake).
• Substantial experience supporting young people or vulnerable adults, ideally within an educational setting.
• Proven safeguarding experience, with strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, Prevent Duty, and child protection procedures.
• Ability to manage safeguarding referrals, assessments, and multi-agency collaboration.
• Skilled in crisis management, risk assessment, and solution-focused intervention.
• Excellent communication, record-keeping, and organisational skills.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and maintain accurate, confidential case files.
• Flexible, professional, and able to work effectively under pressure while maintaining clear boundaries.
• Experience working in a post-16 or further education environment.
• Wellbeing, counselling, or mental health qualification.
• Experience delivering staff or student training in safeguarding or wellbeing.
• Familiarity with local support networks and referral pathways.
• Experience analysing case data and producing reports to inform practice.

What’s in it for you?

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%)
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Please contact Ruth Magnus ([e-mail]) should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.