Safeguarding Officer

Purpose of the Post

In conjunction with the QCT/Social Work Dept/Operations responsibility for the administration and co-ordination of and response to all concerns of abuse in relation to adults who use the services in line with 'Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse, National Policy & Procedures' (2014) and also in line with SHS Policy

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The position of Safeguarding Officer encompasses both managerial and administrative responsibilities which include the following:

• To ensure that people using the service are informed of their right to be free from abuse, to be provided with knowledge on what abuse is, how to keep themselves safe from abuse and what to do if they have concerns.

• Enhancing and further developing management reporting systems and safeguarding data collection and developing this function within Safeguarding in conjunction with the National Safeguarding Office’s client information system.

• Management of the administrative function ensuring adequate administrative support. Ensuring administrative functions are processed within deadlines and compliant with policy. This includes timely responses to referral by phone, email, post and through portal and management of records held by the department in compliance with GDPR and other relevant areas of legislation.

• Monitoring of referral trends and outcomes within safeguarding and consistency of this data with comparable services / areas of the country. Collation of same in monthly, quarterly and annual report format

• Provide localised training supports to Managers on process and systems relating to Safeguarding and keep abreast of new modules of training and legislation

• Oversee the department electronic file system; ensure staff have accurate data and are supported in regular electronic reviews of their systems.

• Carry out any required/requested Look Back Reviews(LBR)in conjunction with other Dept Leads

• Oversee maintenance and reporting on Safeguarding Training Records. Ensure administration staff are supported in promoting, inviting booking, and recording of training sessions and that professional staff throughout are aware of safeguarding training requirements.

• In conjunction with QCT/ Social Work Dept/Operations/HR Manage and investigate any safeguarding or protection concerns raised by staff or Clients.

• Maintain accurate records of safeguarding and protection concerns and actions taken.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.

• Keep up to date with relevant legislation and best practice in safeguarding and protection.

• Attend and chair Safeguarding meetings with Dept Lead/Gardai/CHO East SG Team

Customer Service

• Promote and maintain a customer focused environment by ensuring clients / customers are treated with dignity and respect.

• Seek feedback from clients / customers and implement change to incorporate same, in agreement with Line Manager.

Service Delivery and Improvement

• Ensure accurate attention to detail in own work and work of team.

• Actively participate in innovation and support change and improvement initiatives within the service; adapt local work practices ensuring team knows how to action changes.

• Monitor efficiency of service provided by team, identify and implement changes to the administration of the service where inefficiencies arise.

• Encourage and support staff through change processes.

Standards, Policies, Procedures & Legislation

• Maintain own knowledge of relevant SHS/HSE policies, procedures, guidelines and practices to perform the role effectively and to ensure current work standards are met by own team.

• Maintain own knowledge of relevant regulations and legislation e.g. Financial Regulations, Health & Safety Legislation, Employment Legislation, FOI Acts, GDPR.

• Adequately identifies, assesses, manages and monitors risk within their area of responsibility.

• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated SHS protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must have at the latest date of application: -

• Be registered, or be eligible for registration, on the Social Workers Register maintained by the Social Workers Registration Board at CORU.

• Registered Nurse

• Allied Health Professionals

• Social Care Worker Degree Level

• Psychologist

• Designated Officer Training completed

• At least 3 years working in the field of ID Services

• Have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office

• Provide proof of Statutory Registration on the Social Workers Register maintained by the Social Workers Registration Board at CORU before a contract of employment can be issued.

• On appointment practitioners must maintain annual registration on the Social Workers Register maintained by the Social Workers Registration Board at CORU.

• Practitioners must confirm annual registration with CORU to the HSE by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Post Specific Requirements

Previous experience in safeguarding and protection, with experience in managing safeguarding and protection policies and procedures.

Other requirements specific to the post

Must have a full driving license and access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Professional Knowledge & Experience

• Knowledge of relevant legislation and best practice in safeguarding and protection.

Planning and Managing Resources

• Demonstrate the ability to effectively plan and manage own workload, ensuring deadlines are met.

• The ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.

• The ability to manage within allocated resources and a capacity to respond to changes in a plan.

• Maintains an awareness of value for money.

Commitment to a Quality Service

• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the client and a strong commitment to providing a quality service.

• Embraces and promotes the change agenda; demonstrates flexibility and initiative including the ability to adapt to and implement change.

• Supports team through service improvement / change processes.

Evaluating Information, Problem Solving & Decision Making

• Demonstrate numeracy skills, an ability to analyse and evaluate information and make effective decisions. Recognises when it is appropriate to refer decisions to a higher level of management.

• Demonstrate initiative in the resolution of issues arising / problem solving and proactively develop new proposals and recommend solutions.

• Makes decisions and solves problems in a timely manner before they accumulate.

Team working

• Demonstrate the ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team, promoting a positive team spirit.

• Works as part of the team to establish a shared sense of purpose and unity.

Communications & Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to present (verbal & written) information in a clear and concise manner.

• Demonstrate the ability to influence people and events and the ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

• Treats others with dignity and respect.