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Child protection officer

Alternative titles for this job include Safeguarding officer

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

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a child protection officer

You can get into this job through:

  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

Work

You could do professional development training with your employer then go into child protection work. For example, you may be a police officer and complete relevant courses before moving to a child protection unit within your force.

Volunteering

Experience of working with vulnerable children is essential.

You can get experience by volunteering in the community, with a charity or through paid work. You can get information on volunteering opportunities from:

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs if you're a qualified professional. Employers often look for social workers but other relevant roles include:

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

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

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Association of Child Protection Professionals for career development opportunities and to meet others doing this job.

Further information

You can find out more about working in child protection from the British Association of Social Workers and NSPCC Learning.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

You'll usually need a driving licence.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

  • work with other professionals to identify children at risk
  • speak with children, families and carers to assess their needs
  • investigate reported concerns and allegations
  • advise on child protection issues
  • promote children's rights, safety and wellbeing
  • write care plans and arrange support
  • make referrals to partner agencies
  • record case details and write reports
  • give evidence in court
  • attend training courses

Working environment

You could work in an office or visit sites.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could become a lead officer, co-ordinating the work of your organisation's child protection team.

You could also work for safeguarding partnerships between local authorities, schools, health bodies, charities and social services.

With further training and experience, you could become a children's services inspector or a self-employed consultant, delivering training and advising organisations on child protection policies and regulations.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a child protection officer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Safeguarding and Prevent

  • Provider: HOPWOOD HALL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 August 2021
  • Location:

Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent - Level 2

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 20 January 2022
  • Location: Blackpool
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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