FE Student Pastoral Support and Engagement Officer

Only FE; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme

Gym membership

Cycle to Work

Discounted Bus Travel

Family-friendly policies

Eye tests and VDU glasses contribution

Hair & Beauty services on site

Bakery and cafe on site

Job summary

Blackburn College is seeking a dedicated FE Student Pastoral Support and Engagement Officer to provide pastoral support and targeted interventions for students who disengage from studies. The role focuses on improving attendance, retention and achievement, working with both young people and adults.

You will participate in safeguarding, support colleagues, and help maximise external agency outreach within a central Pastoral Hub, using data to monitor progress and inform strategies.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience with hard-to-engage individuals is preferred.
• Ability to develop and implement engagement plans.
• Experience using data to monitor progress and inform interventions.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely pastoral support and interventions for students.
• Support safeguarding and engage external agencies as needed.
• Contribute to a central Pastoral Hub and preventative outreach.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to improve attendance and achievement.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Initiative

Engagement strategies

Job description

FE Student Pastoral Support and Engagement Officer

Salary £24,522

37hrs per week

Please apply by 25/10/2026

The Role

The College is looking to appoint a dynamic, flexible and pro-active individual, responsible for student pastoral support needs and providing effective interventions for students that disengage with their studies.

The focus of this role is to support positive student engagement (both young people and adults) and to identity and resolve barriers to positive attendance, retention and achievement.

As a key member of the Student Support and Experience Team, you will take responsibility for providing timely interventions and support teaching and support colleagues to effectively safeguarded students and determine strategies to address pastoral and engagement issues, including maximising external agency support and outreach services.

You will champion pastoral themes and provide an engaging prevention and early help offer as part of a centralised Pastoral Hub.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who demonstrates excellent initiative, with strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. You will bring experience of working with hard-to-engage individuals and have a strong understanding of the challenges and barriers that can impact young people s educational achievement.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience working with vulnerable adults and a proven ability to motivate individuals, supporting positive engagement and encouraging changes in attitude and behaviour. You will be confident in developing robust engagement and participation plans, alongside using data effectively to monitor progress, evaluate impact, and inform interventions.

Applications from candidates who have been interviewed for this post within the last six months and were not successful will not be considered.

What makes Blackburn College an Employer of choice?

You'll have access to a wide range of benefits and support, including, but not limited to:

• Employee Assistance Programme with a 24/7/365 helpline for advice and support
• Regular Staff Physical Activity Sessions and reduced-price gym membership
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Discounted Bus Travel with the Transdev Commuter Club
• Family-friendly policies
• Free eye tests and contribution to VDU-use-only glasses
• Several food outlets with a variety of menu choices
• A full range of discounted professional Hair & Beauty services provided by the Academy Salon
• Professional bakery offering a variety of fresh breads, cakes, and ready meals

Blackburn College values diversity and is committed to create a diverse workforce. Blackburn College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments are subject to a variety of pre-employment checks, including satisfactory references, medical clearance, and an enhanced DBS check.