Child protection officer

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

• 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

You'll usually need a driving licence.

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

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