Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults1

Job Specification

Coordinator of Safeguarding in the Diocese of Kerry

The Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in this document refer to both the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.

Coordinator of Safeguarding

Objectives of the post / To promote the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults through the implementation of best safeguarding practice throughout the Diocese.
To work with the Safeguarding Committee to carry out its functions and report to the Safeguarding Committee on achievements of its objectives
Develop a positive culture of safeguarding through the development of good working relationships with all Church personnel, Safeguarding Representatives and key external partners.
Reporting: / The Coordinator will report to the Bishop of Kerry and will work with the Safeguarding Committee to ensure full implementation of good safeguarding practice throughout the Diocese.

Key Duties of the Coordinator

  1. Maintaining the local Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in line with the approved National Standards
/
  • Prepare draft policy and procedure documents for the Diocese, presenting to the Safeguarding Committee and Bishop, agreeing final documents. Issuing policy and procedure ensuring sign off and record of revision no.
  • Distributing documents to parishes.
  • Placing and updating documents on Diocese Website
  • Ensuring each parish has adopted the current up-to-date document.
  • Amending Policy documents in line with changes in legislation and national guidelines. Issuing updated policy documents in line with procedure.

  1. Developing a 3-year Safeguarding Plan,
/
  • Draft 3 year Safeguarding Plan for the Diocese in line with guidelines
  • Agree plan with committee and Bishop.
  • Initiating and monitoring implementation of the Plan
  • Reporting to the Committeeat agreed intervals on progress of implementation of plan.

  1. Coordinating Local Safeguarding Representatives (LSRs)
/
  • Managing the appointment of LSRs together with the Parish Priests.
  • Maintaining records of LSRs, training, vetting, etc.
  • Supporting LSRs and providing guidance as required

  1. Ensuring the completion of Training Needs Assessments (TNA) across the various safeguarding roles in the Diocese;
/
  • Undertaking a TNA in consultation with the Diocesan Safeguarding Trainers.
  • Reviewing and updating the TNA annually
  • Developing an annual Training Plan based on the TNA

  1. Coordinating safeguarding related activities, e.g. training;
/
  • Implementing the Training Plan in consultation with the trainers
  • Maintaining training records
  • Making annual returns to NBSCCCI
  • Providing training as required.

  1. Coordinating the annual audit,
/
  • Preparing the Parish Audit form in consultation with the Committee.
  • Distributing, collecting and collating the annual audit
  • Reporting to the Committee, Bishop and NBSCCCI

  1. With the Bishop ensuring that the appropriate safeguarding personnel are in place.
/
  • Monitoring the implementation of safeguarding practices within the Diocese
  • Reporting on implementation to the Committee and the Bishop
  • Informing the Committee and the Bishop of any shortfall in resources required to maintain good practice.
  • Securing resources and implementing any actions required to address any shortfalls.

  1. Garda Vetting
/
  • Managing and coordinating Garda Vetting of all safeguarding personnel in line with current legislation.

  1. Upholding the seven Standards in practice and behaviour.
/
  • Adhering to the approved policies and practices within one’s own life.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities / Knowledge and Experience:
A working knowledge and experience in: child safeguarding legislation; policy and practice.
Broad knowledge of Church structures
Essential Skills :
Assessment; Recording and report writing; Communication; Presentation; Evaluation; Supporting and providing guidance to others, excellent computer skills.
A good working knowledge of:
All aspects of safeguarding including types of abuse; Working with children; Children’s Rights; Impact of abuse; How perpetrators operate;
Experience :
Experience of working in a related field for at least a five year period. Experience in implementing and monitoring policy and good practice. Conducting child safeguarding assessments; Writing policy and procedures; Monitoring practice; Delivering presentations; Report writing
Education:
Third level degree in social work or teaching or related areas;
Post qualifyingdiploma in safeguarding (desirable)
Or other experience and qualifications that would equip the candidate to carry out the duties of the position.
A working knowledge of the Irish language is desirable as the role will involve supporting parishes within Gealtacht areas.
Work Location / The post holder will be based in Diocesan Offices, Killarney
The post holder may be required to travel across the Diocese in the delivery of requirements of the post and to attend National Meetings.
Full driving licence and access to own transport is essential
Conclusion / This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. But, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.
Salary / Salary will be commensurate with experience and training.