Welfare & Safeguarding Officer (WSO)

North Kent College (including Hadlow College) is proudly rated as an Ofsted 'Good' provider, with 'Outstanding' learner behaviours and attitudes (April 2024). With four campuses across Kent and 4,000 students, we strive to equip the young people who study here with an inclusive and innovative education experience to enhance their future career prospects, which, as noted by Ofsted, is supported through our high-quality, industry standard facilities. Each and every staff member plays a key part in delivering the success of our learners' experience, and we want those who join our curriculum and support teams to share our passion in achieving this.

Here at NKC, we are currently looking for a passionate, conscientious, and driven individual to join our Welfare & Safeguarding team as a Welfare & Safeguarding Officer (WSO).

WSO's at NKC are the first point of contact to support and provide short-term intervention for learners who experience barriers to their learning, responding to safeguarding needs (as a designated safeguarding officer on campus) and escalating issues efficiently, where appropriate. Our WSO's work with a wide variety of curriculum areas and learners, prioritising their safety both inside and outside of college, to ensure everyone achieves success in their respective courses.

The successful candidate will have demonstratable experience in a similar role, working with vulnerable students and safeguarding young people. In addition to a Level 3 (or higher qualification) in a sector relevant qualification and Level 2 in Maths & English. Whilst a Level 4 qualification in teaching, youth work, social work or learner support is desirable, this is not an essential requirement for applicants.

The WSO will be an excellent communicator, with the ability to foster positive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. In addition to experience, WSO's will have excellent knowledge of relevant legislation in safeguarding and pastoral provisions.

No two days as an WSO are the same and being a resilient, agile individual is essential to success in this role. If this sounds like an exciting opportunity for you, apply now!

This role is a full-time / term time only role, across 40 weeks per year, the successful candidate can look forward to excellent benefits such as enhanced holiday pay, enrolment onto the Local Government Pension Scheme which includes life assurance, free parking, and access to a range of onsite facilities, including a restaurant, gym, and coffee shop. Hadlow is an especially unique campus, being Kent's only rural and land-based college, offers a wide variety of safeguarding and welfare matters.