This job expired on 10th February 2026
(PCI) Safeguarding Officer
Department: Safeguarding Department
Responsible to: Safeguarding Lead
Hours: 37.5 per week
About the Role
The Council for Social Witness is seeking a Safeguarding Officer to support and strengthen child and adult safeguarding practices across the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI). Reporting to the Safeguarding Lead, the successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring that safeguarding policies and procedures are effectively implemented, maintained, and continuously improved.
This is an opportunity to work within a values-driven organisation to support congregations, ministers, and volunteers in creating safe environments for children and adults at risk of harm.
Main function of job
To contribute to the Christian ministry and mission of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) through the delivery of the duties outlined.
To support PCI in ensuring full implementation of a robust child and adult safeguarding approach in Northern Ireland and Ireland.
To have oversight of allocated case work for PCI, under the direction and supervision of the Safeguarding Lead.
To assist the Safeguarding Lead in developing and delivering the child and adult safeguarding programmes for PCI and the various Councils
To be an active member of the General Assembly’s staff team, contributing to the effective administration of its functions within the ethos of PCI.
About the role
What We Are Looking For
Experience in safeguarding, social work, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practices in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Experience in handling disclosures, conducting risk assessments, and engaging with statutory agencies.
Excellent communication and training skills, with the ability to engage ministers, congregations, and volunteers.
Ability to work with sensitive information while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
Why Join Us?
Make a real difference by ensuring safeguarding policies are upheld across PCI congregations.
Work within a values-led organisation with a strong Christian ethos.
Opportunity to lead safeguarding training and develop policies that impact communities.
If you are passionate about safeguarding and protecting vulnerable individuals, we encourage you to apply.
We reserve the right to close this post prior to the stated closing date should sufficient applications be received.
What you will need
Required criteria
- Qualification in Social Work and registered on the relevant part of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council Register Or Degree level or equivalent qualification and experience in managing/carrying out investigations into safeguarding concerns
- Competent in the use of Microsoft Office (in particular Word, PowerPoint and Outlook)
- Knowledge of legislation relating to safeguarding in Northern Ireland OR the Republic of Ireland
- Practice knowledge of child and/or adult Safeguarding
- 3 years’ experience (which can include AYE) in the field of safeguarding children and/or adults, including carrying out safeguarding related assessments and producing related written reports in either statutory or voluntary sector
- 3 years’ experience (which can include AYE) in working with legislation relating to safeguarding in Northern Ireland OR the Republic of Ireland in either statutory or voluntary sector
- Experience of managing safeguarding situations as part of a caseload.
- Experience and understanding of safeguarding procedures in relation to children and/ or adults.
- Understanding of a trauma informed approach.
- Experience of work-related administration and organisation
- Experience of effective team working
- Work comfortably within the Christian ethos and structure of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
- Access to a car and appropriate insurance/other suitable arrangements for travel throughout Ireland
- Available for evening and occasional week-end work as required by the nature of the role
Desired criteria
- Relevant adult or child safeguarding training (completed within the last three years)
- Relevant domestic abuse training (completed within the last three years)
- Training/ experience in trauma informed practice approaches
- Demonstrable experience of planning, delivering, and evaluating training/presentations
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