Children in Care Post 16 Education Support Officer (Virtual School)

Derbyshire County Council; Matlock; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated professional to join their team in supporting the educational needs of children in care. This exciting role involves working closely with various stakeholders to ensure that young people's education and transition plans are robust and aspirational. With a focus on collaboration and advocacy, you will play a crucial role in helping young individuals achieve their full potential. The position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact while benefiting from a generous leave scheme and excellent pension options. If you are passionate about education and making a difference, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Generous annual leave scheme

Excellent local government pension

Employee discounts

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of working with children in care and care leavers.
• Experience in education planning and supportive skills for education.

Responsibilities

• Support educational needs of children in care and care leavers.
• Work collaboratively with designated tutors and social workers.

Skills

Knowledge of working with children in care

Understanding of barriers to education

Experience in education planning

Supportive skills for education assistance

Communication skills with professionals

Ability to work independently

Excellent IT skills

Job description

Location: County Hall, Matlock
Reference: JOB/25/01255
Salary details: Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum
Job term: Full Time
Appointment type: Fixed Term - Due to finite funding until 26 March 2026
Hours: 37 hours per week
Closing Date: 11 May 2025

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Derbyshire Virtual School supporting the educational needs of children in care and care leavers.

You will join an established Post 16 team within Derbyshire Virtual School. Through rigorous planning in partnership with designated tutors in FE and Post 16 training settings, social workers, leaving care workers, carers, and other involved professionals, this role is central to ensuring that young people’s education and transition plans are robust and aspirational, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

Team and Training

Derbyshire Virtual School team work flexibly. The successful applicant will have regular access to training through the Virtual School team development meetings and other wider opportunities within DCC.

Candidate Requirements

• Excellent knowledge of working with children in care and care leavers from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
• Understanding of potential barriers to education/training.
• Experience of being involved in education planning, e.g., personal education plan (PEP) meetings.
• Supportive skills to assist young people with their education/training.
• Ability to confidently communicate with designated tutors, social workers, leaving care workers, carers, and other professionals.
• Ability to work independently and as part of the Post 16 team.
• Excellent IT skills and the ability to advocate for young people where appropriate.

Application Process

If you wish to be considered for this position, please complete the DCC application form. Please also see the job and person profile for more information.

Interview and Additional Information

Provisional interview date: Monday 19 May 2025

Due to access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. A criminal record will not necessarily prevent employment; each case is considered individually. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.

Benefits

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! Joining Derbyshire County Council offers access to a range of rewards and employee benefits, including a generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension, and employee discounts. Click here to learn more about these benefits.

Please read any attached documents before applying for this job.