At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students and improve attendance through targeted interventions and collaboration.
- Company: St John Bosco College, a diverse and inclusive Catholic school.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, on-site gym, staff social events, and 24/7 support programme.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and strengthen family-school relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding, pastoral care, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 27300 - 27300 £ per year.
St John Bosco College is seeking a passionate, resilient and highly skilled Family Support Officer to join our dedicated pastoral and safeguarding team. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a vital role in improving attendance, supporting vulnerable students and strengthening relationships between school, families and external agencies. Working closely with senior leaders, safeguarding staff and pastoral teams, you will help remove barriers to education and ensure that our most vulnerable students receive the support they need to thrive.
The successful candidate will act as a key link between home and school, providing early intervention, coordinating support for families, managing complex attendance cases and working alongside social care, health and community services to improve outcomes for young people.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead targeted attendance and early intervention work for vulnerable students.
- Manage a caseload of students whose attendance is affected by safeguarding concerns, family circumstances or other barriers to learning.
- Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for identified cases, supporting the school’s safeguarding systems and procedures.
- Conduct home visits and work directly with parents and carers to improve attendance, engagement and student wellbeing.
- Coordinate referrals and work collaboratively with social care, health professionals, Early Help teams and other external agencies.
- Contribute to whole-school attendance strategies and intervention programmes.
- Line manage the Attendance Outreach and Learning Mentor.
Why join us?
- A proud, diverse and inclusive Catholic school underpinned by our RUAH ethos – Respect, Understanding, Affection and Humour.
- A focus on working smarter, not harder, with streamlined systems designed to reduce unnecessary workload.
- On‑site gym and a programme of staff social events to promote health and wellbeing.
- A bespoke coaching programme for every member of staff.
- A chaplaincy team and quiet reflection spaces supporting both staff and students.
- Access to a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 support.
Our school was judged “good” by Ofsted in October 2022 and “outstanding” by the Archdiocese of Southwark in June 2025. Our Roman Catholic, Salesian school, in the heart of Battersea, strives to ensure that all its young people are given the opportunity and support they need to achieve their best, fulfil their true potential and go out into the world confident and ready to ‘earn their own bread’.
CVs are not accepted. Early applications are welcome as we reserve the right to appoint before the closing date if we find a suitable candidate. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Family Support Officer employer: Catholic Recruitment
St John Bosco College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow. With a strong focus on wellbeing, the school provides access to an on-site gym, social events, and a bespoke coaching programme, ensuring that employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the heart of Battersea, this Catholic school is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of its students and their families, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about education and community support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Officer
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Catholic Recruitment.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Catholic Recruitment!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Catholic Recruitment, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Catholic Recruitment or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Catholic Recruitment:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Catholic Recruitment! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Catholic Recruitment
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
