Senior Education Welfare Officer

Neway International Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An education consultancy is seeking a Senior Education Welfare Officer to join Southwark Council. This role is crucial for improving school attendance and supporting families. Responsibilities include working with schools and families, conducting home visits, and collaborating with multi-agency partners. Candidates should have strong knowledge of attendance legislation and excellent communication skills. This hybrid role allows for flexible work arrangements, supporting a meaningful difference in children's educational engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience in education welfare, family support, or related social care.
• Strong knowledge of school attendance and safeguarding legislation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Promote regular attendance and reduce persistent absence.
• Undertake home visits and work with families on barriers to education.
• Liaise with multi-agency partners to deliver coordinated support.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to manage caseloads

Experience of multi-agency working

Job description

Job Summary

Neway International are seeking a Senior Education Welfare Officer to join our client Southwark Council.

Location: 134 Queens Road, Southwark, Surrey, SE15 2HG
Hours: 36 per week
Start Date: 5 January 2026
Pay Rates: PAYE £24.43 per hour / Limited/Umbrella £31.89 per hour
Work Pattern: Hybrid – 2 days remote, 3 days in borough (office, schools, home visits)

About the Client

Southwark Council is committed to supporting children, families, and schools across the borough. Their Education Welfare Service plays a vital role in promoting school attendance, safeguarding children, and ensuring families receive the support they need to thrive.

The Role

As a Senior Education Welfare Officer, you will work directly with schools, families, and children to improve attendance and engagement. You will provide advice, guidance, and interventions to address barriers to education, ensuring compliance with statutory responsibilities and safeguarding requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with schools, families, and children to promote regular attendance and reduce persistent absence.
• Undertake home visits and direct work with families to identify and address barriers to education.
• Provide advice and guidance to schools on attendance policies, safeguarding, and statutory responsibilities.
• Prepare reports, case notes, and documentation for meetings, panels, and potential legal proceedings.
• Liaise with multi-agency partners, including social care, youth justice, and health services, to deliver coordinated support.
• Contribute to safeguarding processes, ensuring children are protected and supported.
• Support the development of strategies and initiatives to improve attendance across the borough.
• Provide mentoring and guidance to junior staff where required.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience working within education welfare, family support, or a related social care environment.
• Strong knowledge of legislation and statutory responsibilities relating to school attendance and safeguarding.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage families and schools effectively.
• Ability to manage caseloads, prepare reports, and work to deadlines in a busy environment.
• Experience of multi-agency working and delivering coordinated interventions.
• Flexibility to work across schools, homes, and offices within Southwark.

Opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity to join Southwark Council’s Education Welfare Service, making a real difference to children and families by supporting engagement in education and safeguarding wellbeing.