Independent Safeguarding Authority

Are you an ISA person

ISA Caseworkers – Self Selection Questionnaire

As a Caseworker within the Independent Safeguarding Authority, you would be playing a vital role in helping to safeguard children and vulnerable adults, by making decisions as to whether those who wish to work with them should be permitted, or barred, from doing so. As a result, the work of ISA will have an impact on society as a whole.

We want people who are committed to building safer environments, can see the value in the work of the ISA, and have the determination and perseverance to see complex cases through to their conclusion.

Before you apply, why don't you take a few moments to complete this short questionnaire which will help you to decide if you are suited to this important and challenging role?

The questionnaire is entirely optional and your results will not be seen by anyone other than you. It does not form part of the selection process but be very honest and open about your skills and preferences and this will enable you to get a better idea of whether you suit the role and, equally important, whether the role suits you.

Question 1

As an ISA Caseworker, you will be responsible for making important decisions that safeguard children and vulnerable adults within our society.

I would be comfortable taking personal responsibility for making tough decisions which impact on others' lives
I would feel uncomfortable making decisions that have a serious impact on the lives of others, and would prefer it if others took that responsibility

Question 2

As an ISA Caseworker, there may be times when you or your colleagues are dealing with difficult cases.

I accept that others may get upset, but I prefer to focus on the task at hand and do not allow myself to be distracted by what's going on around me
I am sensitive to the needs and feelings of others, quickly noticing when they are struggling, and am comfortable in providing the support they need

Question 3

As an ISA Caseworker, you would be working with complex cases requiring considerable analysis before being able to come to a conclusion on that case.

I prefer situations where I can quickly resolve problems and would rather not deal with ambiguous information I enjoy exploring issues and am motivated by the need to research and resolve problems

Question 4

As an ISA Caseworker, the ability to communicate complex information in a way that others can understand is an important skill.

I am good at explaining complex information to others and adapting my style to different people or audiences I find it difficult to be patient and find alternative explanations for others when they don't seem to understand what I am saying

Question 5

When it comes to achieving deadlines?

I sometimes find it difficult to decide what is most important as I want to do everything to the same high standard I approach my work in a planned and organised manner and am good at prioritising in order to achieve a good standard of work at all times

Question 6

The work of an ISA Caseworker involves summarising large amounts of information in a clear and concise format.

I enjoy communicating in writing and feel that I have a flair for clearly summarising information in a logical and professional way I dislike communicating in writing and would prefer to speak to people on the telephone or face-to-face

Question 7

When dealing with large volumes of complex information, I am someone who?

Has a good eye for detail and am able to quickly recognise inconsistencies or errors in information Prefers to look at the bigger picture and take an overview of the main issues rather than getting too involved in the detail

Question 8

At times, an individual may lodge an appeal and you may be required to provide clear supporting documentation for presentation before a tribunal..

When challenged on decisions I make, I usually feel confident and comfortable and am willing to explain my reasoning to other people When challenged, I often lose confidence and start to question whether I made the right decision

Question 9

The ISA Caseworkers will be required to complete challenging work in a timely and efficient manner.

I can work with others when I need to, but I prefer to work on my own specific objectives and not get too involved with what others are doing I am a team player and enjoy working flexibly with others, taking on different or additional tasks as necessary in order to achieve deadlines

Question 10

When making decisions?

I use the facts and data available to ensure an evidence based decision is reached I use my intuition and understanding of what's right or wrong to guide my decision making

Question 11

As an ISA Caseworker, you would be working on cases which require the assessment and evaluation of information which may be of a sensitive or challenging nature.

I believe I have the ability to work with sensitive or challenging information in a calm and professional manner, maintaining a sense of perspective and not allowing it to upset me personally I think I may find it difficult not to allow sensitive or challenging cases and information to upset me personally

Question 12

The ISA is a new organisation. To achieve its aim of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults requires new approaches to assessing the suitability of those who wish to work with them. When carrying out my work?

I naturally notice how improvements could be made and like to suggest new ways of doing things I prefer to adhere closely to tried and tested methods