Therapeutic Services and Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Location: Longmead Community Farm, Dorset
Hours: 15 hours per week
Salary: £16.00 – £18.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience
Contract: Permanent
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer
Help Change Lives Through Nature, Therapeutic Support and Safeguarding
Longmead Community Farm is seeking a compassionate, organised and proactive Therapeutic Services and Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join our small but dedicated team.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting children, young people and families through therapeutic, nature-based and community-focused services. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering and developing our therapeutic programmes while ensuring safeguarding remains at the heart of everything we do.
As our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you will provide safeguarding leadership across the organisation, manage referrals, build partnerships with local agencies and directly deliver therapeutic interventions, workshops and holiday activities programmes.
This is a varied and rewarding role that combines frontline delivery with service coordination and safeguarding leadership. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people and families in Dorset.
About Longmead Community Farm
Longmead Community Farm is a charity based in North Dorset that provides therapeutic, educational and wellbeing opportunities for children, young people, families and vulnerable adults.
Through engagement with nature, gardening, creative activities and community, we help people build confidence, improve wellbeing, develop skills and strengthen relationships.
The Role
You will:
- Deliver therapeutic, wellbeing and family support interventions.
- Facilitate one-to-one and group-based sessions.
- Plan and deliver workshops focused on wellbeing, resilience and personal development.
- Coordinate and deliver holiday activities programmes, including Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) provision.
- Manage referrals and support pathways.
- Build strong relationships with schools, social care teams, health professionals and community organisations.
- Maintain a small caseload and support plans.
- Monitor outcomes and evaluate impact.
- Act as Longmead Community Farm's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
- Provide safeguarding advice and support to staff, volunteers and Trustees.
- Contribute to service development, funding monitoring and organisational growth.
We Are Looking For Someone Who Has:
Essential
- Experience working with children, young people and families.
- Experience delivering therapeutic, wellbeing, educational or family support services.
- Experience facilitating workshops, activities or group programmes.
- Experience managing safeguarding concerns.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding practice and child protection.
- Experience of multi-agency working.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to work independently and use initiative.
- Safeguarding and Child Protection training at Level 3 or above (or willingness to complete).
Desirable
- DSL training and experience.
- Qualification in counselling, youth work, social care, family support, psychology, therapeutic services or a related field.
- Experience delivering HAF or holiday activities programmes.
- Experience within the charity, education or community sector.
- Experience of nature-based or outdoor learning approaches.
- First Aid and Mental Health First Aid qualifications.
What We Offer
- A flexible part-time role in a beautiful rural setting.
- The opportunity to make a significant impact in your local community.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Supportive and values-led working environment.
- The opportunity to help shape and develop therapeutic services within a growing charity.
Safeguarding
Longmead Community Farm is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- A CV; and
- A covering letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.
- Email to [email protected]
We welcome applications from candidates with a diverse range of professional backgrounds who share our commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families.
Join us and help create positive change through nature, community and therapeutic support.
Pay: £16.00-£18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
