Education Welfare Officer

Education Authority; Newtownabbey; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A public educational organization in Newtownabbey is seeking a professional social worker to enhance school attendance and support vulnerable young people and families. The ideal candidate must have a relevant social work qualification, experience with child protection legislation, and the ability to engage with families effectively. This role involves collaboration with various agencies to create a supportive network and improve educational outcomes.

Qualifications

• Hold a professional social work qualification recognized by the NISCC.
• Be registered with the NISCC or have applied for registration.
• Have knowledge of child protection and education legislation.
• Be able to engage young people and families effectively.

Responsibilities

• Deliver services to promote positive school attendance.
• Support parents and schools to meet attendance obligations.
• Provide intervention strategies for vulnerable young people.
• Collaborate with agencies to support families and schools.
• Monitor and improve attendance programs using evidence-based practices.

Skills

Communication skills

Ability to build relationships

Organisational skills

Education

Degree in social work or equivalent

Job description

Responsibilities

• Deliver a service to children, families and schools to promote positive school attendance and early intervention.
• Support parents/carers and schools in meeting statutory attendance obligations.
• Provide intervention strategies to vulnerable young people to support engagement in education.
• Work collaboratively with education, health, social care and voluntary sector agencies to build a network of support for families, schools and young people.
• Participate in Team Around the Child, Team Around the Family and Team Around the School frameworks to improve outcomes for young people in attending school.
• Monitor, evaluate and improve attendance programmes and support, using evidence-based practice and a relationship-based approach.

Qualifications

• Hold a professional social work qualification (degree in social work or equivalent recognized by the NISCC).
• Be registered or provide evidence of application to register with the NISCC.
• Have access to a suitable vehicle and be able to meet mobility requirements of the post.
• Have knowledge of child protection procedures, education legislation and childcare legislation.
• Demonstrate communication skills and the ability to build good working relationships at a range of levels.
• Show ability to assess family dynamics, use initiative and judgement to solve problems and respond to others.
• Be able to engage young people and families in the helping process and possess organisational skills to manage a busy workload.

Values and Principles

Commitment to equality, excellence in service delivery and the protection of children and young people from abuse. Promote the United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and uphold the Education Authority’s equal opportunities policy.