Safeguarding Manager (Social Worker)

## Safeguarding Manager (Social Worker) at Oakhill Secure Training Centre: A Career in Impactful Child Welfare This is a significant opportunity for a dedicated Social Worker to step into a pivotal **Safeguarding Manager** role within G4S Care and Rehabilitation Services at the Oakhill Secure Training Centre in Milton Keynes. The position offers a competitive salary of **£49,115.00 per annum** for a **permanent, full-time (40 hours per week)** role.

This role presents a unique chance to contribute directly to the welfare and development of young people aged 12 to 18 who are in detention. Oakhill Secure Training Centre is committed to providing a secure and supportive environment where these vulnerable individuals can develop essential life skills and address behaviours that have led to their custody. The centre works collaboratively with Youth Custody Services to ensure best practices in residential care are maintained, aiming to prevent re-offending.

For social workers passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of children and young people, this position offers several compelling advantages:

• Leadership and Influence: As the Social Work Safeguarding lead for the centre, you will play a crucial role in shaping and implementing safeguarding strategies. This is an opportunity to lead by example and have a direct impact on the safety and well-being of all residents.
• Professional Development: G4S demonstrates a strong commitment to investing in its people. You will benefit from a job-specific induction programme, ongoing support, and continuous training and development opportunities. This is ideal for those looking to deepen their expertise in safeguarding within a complex environment.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: The role necessitates strong collaboration with external safeguarding teams, Youth Offending Teams (YOTs), MASH, and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). This exposure will broaden your professional network and enhance your understanding of integrated safeguarding approaches.
• Complex and Rewarding Work: Working with young people who have a wide range of social and emotional complexities presents a challenging yet incredibly rewarding career path. Your dedication will directly contribute to positive outcomes for these individuals.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: In addition to a stable permanent contract, candidates can expect a company pension, free on-site parking, a uniform, an on-site canteen, and access to High Street shop discounts.
• Commitment to Equality and Diversity: G4S Care and Rehabilitation Services actively promotes an inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all backgrounds, demonstrating a commitment to supporting all employees to be their authentic selves.

To thrive in this role, potential candidates should carefully consider the following:

• Essential Qualifications: A degree in Social Work is a mandatory requirement, along with eligibility for registration with Social Work England. The role is open to newly qualified social workers, indicating a supportive environment for early career professionals.
• Experience with Vulnerable Children: Proven experience working with vulnerable children and young people in a social work capacity is essential. A solid understanding of current safeguarding legislation, particularly concerning children, is also critical.
• Resilience and Empathy: The environment can be demanding, requiring individuals who are resilient, able to make defensible decisions under pressure, and maintain empathy towards the needs of the children and staff.
• Robust Investigation Skills: A key aspect of the role involves conducting thorough investigations of child protection concerns. Candidates should possess strong analytical and evidence-based investigative skills.
• UK Work Eligibility and Security Clearance: Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK and have been resident in the UK for a minimum of three years. Successful candidates will also need to undergo enhanced DBS security clearance and provide comprehensive work and educational history for the past 10 years.

This Safeguarding Manager position is an excellent step for a social worker eager to specialize in child protection within a structured and supportive organisation. If you are driven by a passion for safeguarding and seek a role where your expertise can profoundly impact young lives, this opportunity at Oakhill Secure Training Centre warrants your serious consideration.