Job title: Regional Talent Centre Welfare Officer
Hours: Part-time, 14 hours a week

Main responsibilities:

• To encourage the Regional Talent Centre to discuss and implement the Club/FA's Safeguarding Children best practice guidelines on photography; organising travel, trips and tournaments; use of email, text, social networking sites and websites and advice for players.
• To promote, support and encourage the benefits of the safeguarding children education and awareness programme.
• To support all players within the centre and to record and report any issues for concern to the Head of Foundation Operations and Safeguarding.
• To liaise with Head of Foundation Operations and Safeguarding Manager on all aspects of player welfare and good practice and to attend any courses deemed appropriate.
• To encourage the RTC to seek children and young people's views and to take account of these views in the development and delivery of football activities within the centre.
• To participate at meetings and events organised by the Club, RTC and The FA as appropriate (e.g. Induction evenings, Club/FA continued professional development).
• To ensure the Regional Talent Centre implement and adhere to The Club/FA's Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures, making sure staff are aware of these policies and procedures.
• To ensure the Regional Talent Centre utilise The Club/FA's best practice guidelines on recruiting volunteers and always requesting and following up references and that all staff and volunteers with direct access to children and young people complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure via Chelsea FC.
• To know who the CFA Welfare Officer is and how to contact them.
• To receive and refer to the Head of Foundation Operations and Safeguarding Manager, child abuse and poor practice concerns and take action as necessary in accordance with Club/FA protocols and procedures and take any action as advised by the statutory agencies.
• To ensure all referrals are recorded using the appropriate Club/FA forms and paperwork and securely retained in accordance with Club/FA policies and data protection legislation.
• To ensure the Head of Foundation Operations and Safeguarding Manager and RTC Centre Manager are fully informed and updated about the actions and progress on reported concerns.

Measures of performance:

• Understanding key elements of legislation around all RTC/Foundation areas of work.
• Regular evaluation and reporting on performance.
• Performance evaluated and monitored.
• Targets will be set in consultation with the Head of Community/Head of Operations & Safeguarding and these are reached.
• Feedback from all partners/staff.

Person Specification:

• Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding issues, holding a current FA Safeguarding Children Workshop certificate would be beneficial, other Safeguarding certificates considered.
• Knowledge of statutory organisations working in child protection
• CFCF PL enhanced DBS disclosure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively in different situations with people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to listen and assess situations
• Capacity to handle confidential information sensitively
• Empathy when dealing with individuals, sometimes in demanding situations
• Commitment and ability to promote safeguarding children and sports equity principles
• Willingness to work weekends and training events when required
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Experience of dealing or working with young people
• Have knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, child development and be sensitive to children's needs

Desirable

• Valid UK Driving Licence and own transport.
• Live within commuting distance of Cobham.
• Other relevant welfare qualifications.
• Experience working in an sporting environment.
• Experience of implementing policies, protocols and guidance.
• Social Care/Police Experience.

The Employee must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities with due regard to Chelsea FC Foundation policies and procedures in particular Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and with regard to the Data Protection Act.
The Employee must act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are in their care or attending the Company's premises. The Employee must report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the Foundation Safeguarding Lead.
The Employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relations amongst Employees and customers.
The above Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive, the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.
Chelsea Football Club and the Foundation is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that are in our care or attending our premises. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.