At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families with complex needs to achieve their best outcomes.
- Company: Join a supportive school community dedicated to nurturing young minds.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding and promoting diversity is key.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of students' lives and help them thrive in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in pastoral care and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27694 - 29064 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Working Pattern: Blank | Salary: £27,694 to £29,064 (Actual £21,015 to £22,055) | FTE: 100%
Location: Portway Junior School, Portway, Derby
Portway Junior School – 32.5 hours, with flexibility to accommodate part‑time or term‑time only schedules.
About the Role
The Pastoral, Family Liaison and Learning Mentor works with children and families who present with complex needs, supporting them to achieve the best possible outcomes and experience within the school. This role requires empathy, resilience, positive relationship building, and the ability to manage a varied workload in a high‑pressure environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Support children and families with complex needs to achieve the best possible outcomes within the school environment.
- Demonstrate empathy, overcome barriers, and foster positive relationships with staff, pupils and families.
- Co‑operate with the wider school ethos, adapting to constantly changing priorities and a dynamic environment.
- Prioritise and manage a varied workload while ensuring the young people’s best interests are at heart.
- Engage with a range of stakeholders, including pupils with special educational needs.
- Contribute to the team’s strength and effectiveness through strong organisational and communication skills.
Qualifications and Experience
- Relevant experience in pastoral care, family liaison, or supporting pupils with complex needs.
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- High level of empathy, resilience, and adaptability.
- Interest and initiative to support children across a broad spectrum of circumstances.
Other Requirements
- Enhanced DBS clearance and references from current and past employers required.
- Commitment to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and young people.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Odyssey Collaborative Trust welcomes applications from everyone and values diversity in our workplace. We are committed to promoting diversity and developing a workplace environment where all staff are treated with dignity and respect.
Disclaimer
This role is regulated activity; successful appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks and relevant recruitment checks in compliance with the most recent guidance on Keeping Children Safe in Education.
KS2 Pastoral, Family Liaison and Learning Mentor employer: Derby City Council
At Portway Junior School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the well-being and professional growth of our staff. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and inclusivity, providing ample opportunities for personal development while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Derby. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to safeguarding, we ensure that our team can thrive both personally and professionally in a dynamic educational environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land KS2 Pastoral, Family Liaison and Learning Mentor
✨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 Derby City Council.
✨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 Derby City Council!
✨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 Derby City Council, 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 Derby City Council 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 KS2 Pastoral, Family Liaison and Learning Mentor
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 Derby City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Derby City Council! 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 Derby City Council
✨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.
