Safeguarding Officer

Job Purpose

The University of Glasgow is committed to the wellbeing and success of its students and to providing effective and flexible support services which aid successful study. As a key member of the Student Wellbeing Directorate, the Safeguarding Officer will work within a multi‑disciplinary team, to respond to safeguarding concerns, including but not limited to; mental health crises, reports of concerning behaviour and disclosures of harassment, hate crime, sexual violence, relationship abuse, bullying and other forms of unacceptable behaviour.

Reporting to the Safeguarding Manager, the Safeguarding Officer will work alongside a range of professional colleagues in counselling and advisory roles to manage risk, support the student safeguarding agenda and ensure appropriate practical advice and guidance for vulnerable students.

The role holder will work collaboratively to support our students and to assist staff who are responding to presenting or emerging concerns. The Safeguarding Officer will develop and nurture partnerships with external agencies and services, to support students whose needs fall outside the remit of Student Services.

• To manage complex cases including, but not limited to, those involving mental health crises, behavioural concerns, gender-based violence, harassment and hate crime disclosed to the University and to provide expert advice and guidance to students and colleagues in line with sector best practice.
• In partnership with key colleagues in the Wellbeing and Inclusion team, external services and other service/college areas, ensure appropriate support and safety plans for students deemed to be at risk.
• Respond to concerns received via the University reporting tool and other reporting routes, acting as a point of escalation for the Student Support Officers, Respect Advisers Network and providing guidance to colleagues in the Colleges and Schools.
• Attend multi‑disciplinary team case meetings and individual case conferences, providing professional advice and guidance on the support of vulnerable students and those in crisis.
• Develop working relationships with key external partners to include, local GP practices, CMHTs, NHS liaison teams, local Police partnerships, Social Services, and local SARCs.
• Work in partnership with Counselling & Wellbeing Practitioners, Disability & Inclusion Lead, Disability Advisers and other colleagues to identify and manage risk, implementing robust safety and support plans for vulnerable students.
• Work with relevant service areas to investigate specific student issues either reported or emerging, gathering information to develop a whole picture of a student's situation and making recommendations for resolution.
• To contribute to the development of the University’s related policies and procedures drawing upon current work in the sector around safeguarding, mental health, gender-based violence, harassment and hate crime.
• To ensure working practices and procedures maintain confidentiality in line with data protection requirements and University Policy.
• To actively engage with external networks and appropriate national events to inform practice and processes, whilst sharing our own good practice.

• A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, (ordinary Degree, SVQ Level
  4) with professional membership in relevant discipline e.g. Social Work (Mental health), Mental Health Nursing, Counselling/Psychology/DBT Practitioner.
• A2 Able to demonstrate an awareness and relevant knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, mental health, sexual violence, harassment, misconduct and hate crime within a higher education environment or demonstrate the capacity to gain this within a rapid time period.
• A3 An understanding of the particular demands and risks associated with managing these issues in a complex organisation.
• A4 Good understanding of and commitment to equality and diversity including equality legislation and how it applies.
• A5 Knowledge of Data Protection Legislation.

• B1 Registered with a statutory regulatory body for health or…