Safeguarding Case Officer

What will you be doing?

Manage caseload efficiently and effectively in line with The FA policies, procedures, regulations, protocols and thresholds:

• Undertake investigations in respect of allegations or concerns made against individuals within, or seeking to enter, football.
• Complete risk assessments and, where appropriate, recommend a risk management plan to the Safeguarding Case Manager, Professional Game Safeguarding Manager, Safeguarding Quality Assurance Manager or Head of Safeguarding Case Management.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and paperwork for consideration by the Safeguarding Review Panel for cases which require an order in accordance with The FA's Safeguarding Regulations.
• Progress cases to their full conclusion within the timescales stipulated by The FA and in adherence to The FA Safeguarding Case Management Team's Practice Standards.
• Keep all case files up to date by accurately and consistently recording actions taken on cases using The FA's Case Management system, in line with FA Data Protection Policies and protocols and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Code of Practice.
• Liaise with County FAs, Clubs, Leagues and other FA departments as well as statutory agencies throughout safeguarding investigations to ensure timely information sharing and inform The FA's assessment of risk.
• Liaise regularly with Individuals subject to safeguarding investigations to support their understanding of and engagement with the process.
• Ensure the FA fulfils its legal duties under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, including referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Other:

• Work collaboratively with colleagues within The FA Group and external agencies, e.g. County FAs, the professional game, statutory agencies, Local Authority Designated Officers and other statutory agencies.
• Work with and support the network of Designated Safeguarding Officers in football and contribute to regional County FA meetings, and assist in the delivery of training, where required, at a regional or national level.
• Self-reflect on performance, ask for feedback, identify relevant learning needs, attend and effectively prepare for regular supervision and relevant management meetings.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding practice, taking accountability for ongoing professional development.
• Executes additional tasks as required to meet the FA's changing priorities.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure that the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being can be maintained.
• As part of the FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.

What are we looking for?

Essential for the role:

• BA/MA in Social Work, Police Officer (with relevant Child Protection experience), Youth Offending Officer or Probation Officer with a relevant degree or a lawyer experienced in child & family law.
• A minimum of 3 years' experience in front-line child protection intervention and/or risk assessment of adult perpetrators, and application of risk assessment tools.
• Knowledge of safeguarding frameworks and best practice.
• Evidence of a child-centred approach and an understanding of children's rights, needs and best interests.
• Excellent report writing skills, including risk assessments, risk management report writing and analysis of risk.
• Experience in handling sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Flexible approach to hours and travel.
• Evidence of continuous training and development.
• Emotional resilience.
• Knowledge of relevant child protection legislation and statutory guidance.

For more information on what it is like to work at The FA, please visit our FA Careers page,