Job responsibilities
Purpose of the Job:
Line Management
As a Safeguarding Social Worker in a special school, your primary responsibility is to ensure the welfare,
safety, and protection of pupils with special needs who may be vulnerable or at risk of harm. You will
work collaboratively with school staff, families, external agencies, and other professionals to identify and
address safeguarding concerns, implement preventive measures, and provide necessary support and
interventions.
Principal Accountabilities:
Risk Assessment and Identification, in liaison with class staff and SLT
Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify potential safeguarding risks and vulnerabilities among
pupils with special needs.
Monitor and evaluate pupils' safety and well-being, identifying signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or
other forms of harm.
Collaborate with school staff and other professionals to gather information and develop a holistic
understanding of each pupil's situation.
Reporting and Referrals
Act as a mandated reporter, promptly reporting safeguarding concerns to the appropriate authorities,
such as child protection services or law enforcement agencies.
Follow established protocols for reporting, documenting incidents, and ensuring confidentiality while
adhering to legal requirements.
Facilitate and coordinate referrals to external agencies or professionals for further investigation and
intervention, ensuring the safety and well-being of pupils.
Provide direct support and intervention to pupils who have experienced or are at risk of harm, utilising
appropriate social work skills and therapeutic techniques.
Collaborate with the MDT, psychologists, and other professionals to develop and implement
individualised support plans and interventions.
Advocate for pupils' rights and ensure their access to necessary services, resources, and
accommodations.
Responsible for line managing the Parent Partnership Lead on a day-to-day basis.
Effective communication and engagement with students, their families and carers and other
professionals
Ensure the safety of the child by monitoring and reporting all concerns and any changes to line manager,
health professional or parent / guardian as appropriate.
Know when to refer information to line manager in line with school policies.
Maintain accurate records where required.
Listen to concerns; recognise and take account of signs of change in attitudes and behaviour
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child
Multi-agency working - Know the value and expertise you bring to a team and that brought
by your colleagues
Sharing information - Provide feedback, as requested, to the class teacher or other
appropriate person to support the planning and evaluation of the learning process in
respect of groups and individual pupils
Promote and sustain a suitable environment in which the child feels safe and comfortable.
Work within the framework of school policies.
Undergo appropriate training and be passed as competent before carrying out any care
intervention.
Assist with the supervision of groups and individual pupils as required.
Maintain personal and professional boundaries at all times.
Understand your own role and its limitations and the importance of not providing care where you
have not been trained or passed as competent to do so.
Collaborate with school administrators and stakeholders to develop, implement, and review
safeguarding policies and procedures specific to the special school environment.
Ensure that safeguarding policies are in line with local regulations and best practices, and that
staff and families are aware of their roles and responsibilities.
Provide training and support to staff, families, and pupils regarding safeguarding practices,
recognising signs of abuse, and appropriate reporting procedures.
Work in a team context forging and sustaining relationships across agencies and respecting
the contribution of others working with children and their families.
Work closely with external agencies, such as child protection services, healthcare providers, and
law enforcement, to facilitate coordinated efforts and ensure a comprehensive approach to
safeguarding.
Participate in multi-disciplinary meetings and case conferences to share information, discuss
safeguarding concerns, and develop appropriate strategies and interventions.
Maintain effective communication and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders involved in
safeguarding efforts.
Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, confidentiality,
health, safety and security.
Understand the importance of sharing information, how it can help and the dangers of not doing
so.
Attend staff meetings, training days and management team meetings by agreement with the
Headteacher.
Maintain accurate and confidential records of safeguarding concerns, assessments,
interventions, and communication with relevant parties.
Adhere to legal and ethical guidelines regarding record-keeping, ensuring proper storage and
handling of sensitive information.
Prepare reports and documentation for case conferences, court proceedings, or other relevant
meetings as required.
Administration / other - Prepare and keep clean materials and undertake minor clerical duties
Participate in the schools performance management process.
Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required.
Health & safety
Be aware of and implement your health and safety responsibilities as an employee and where
appropriate any additional specialist or managerial health and safety responsibilities as defined
in the Health and Safety policy and procedure.
Your duties will initially be as set out in the job description, but this could be amended from time
to time to reflect changes in or to the job.