3 Months Contract with a Local Authority

Summary

This role is crucial in providing an effective and targeted education inclusion service within a specialist team in the Family Early Help service. The position supports the Council’s Fairer Future promises by assisting children, young people, and their families. The role involves working collaboratively with parents, young people, and schools to ensure all children of compulsory school age have access to education.

Responsibilities

Assess, maintain, and progress a caseload of families needing targeted intervention related to attendance or inclusion, using a Team Around the Family (TAF) approach.
Support and promote alternatives to permanent exclusion in schools, including managed moves, to reduce the number of permanently excluded pupils.
Utilize professional skills for consultation, assessment, intervention planning/delivery, and review to foster effective partnerships among stakeholders, children, young people, parents/carers, practitioners, and education providers.
Develop, implement, and review innovative strategies to enhance learning, parental capacity, attendance, and behaviour, focusing on under-achieving cohorts.
Ensure all evidence for prosecution is quality assured and meets required standards.

Requirements

Proven experience in education welfare, attendance enforcement, or related roles within children’s services.
Strong background in casework management, multi-agency working, and early intervention strategies.
Experience in preparing and presenting cases for legal proceedings in magistrates and family courts.
Familiarity with statutory responsibilities regarding school attendance, exclusions, and CME protocols.

Qualifications

Degree or equivalent qualification in education, social work, or a related field.
In-depth knowledge of the Education Act (1996), Children Act (1989), and related legislation.
Training in safeguarding and child protection procedures.

Additional Information

Working hours: 36 hours per week
Location: 134 Queens Road (QR2), Southwark, Surrey, SE152HG, United Kingdom
Work arrangement: 2 days remote and 3 days in borough (office/schools/home visits)

The role closes on 3rd December 2025, apply ASAP.

Senior Education Welfare Officer