Child protection officer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job by working towards this role or applying directly.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Work

You could do professional development training with your employer to move into child protection work.

For example, you may be a police officer and complete a course before moving to a child protection unit in your area.

Volunteering

Experience of working with vulnerable children is essential.

You can get experience by volunteering. You can get information on volunteering opportunities from:

• NSPCC
• The Children's Society
• Do IT

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs if you're a qualified professional.

Employers often look for social workers but other roles that involve child protection include:

• youth worker
• teacher
• police officer
• family support worker
• probation officer

You'll need several years of experience working with children, young people, their parents and carers. Management experience will also be helpful.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• active listening skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• customer service skills
• a desire to help people
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Child protection officers promote children's wellbeing and protect them from harm or abuse.

In your daily tasks you may:

• speak with children, families and carers to assess their needs
• investigate concerns and allegations
• promote children's rights, safety and wellbeing
• write report, care plans and arrange support
• make referrals to partner agencies
• give evidence in court

Location : You could work in an office or visit sites.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

Salary:

Starter : £25,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm on a rota

Career Path:

With further training and experience, you could:

• become a lead officer of your organisation's child protection team
• work for a safeguarding partnership
• become a children's services inspector
• become a self-employed consultant who gives child protection advice and delivers training