Pastoral Support Welfare Officer

Post

Pastoral Support & Welfare Officer

Reporting to: Designated Teacher for Safeguarding

Hours: 36 per week – 8.30am to 4.00pm

Salary: NJC pts 23 – 26 (Senior Executive Officer)

£17.7749 – £19.2441 per hour/£33,366 to £36,124

Contract: Fixed Term (May be subject to extension or reduced for any valid reason)

Responsibilities

• Assist in the completion of UNOCINI risk assessments if required.
• Attend case conferences and LAC reviews on behalf of and with students.
• Undertake home visits as and when required.
• Mobilise family, school, and community-based resources to enable the child to learn as effectively as possible in their educational program.
• Assist in developing early intervention strategies to address pupil needs including mental health, emotional literacy, self-discipline and negative peer and community influences.
• Maintain up-to-date records of students and family engagement.
• Utilise a variety of sources of evidence to demonstrate impact in the role on a termly basis via a termly review report (students/ parental/ external feedback, student voice, attendance statistics, case conference attendance statistics, behavioural records and other evidence).
• Work closely with the Safeguarding team and meet weekly.

Services to Students

• Provide crisis intervention.
• Develop intervention strategies to support academic success.
• Use restorative approaches to address and reduce conflict and/or wrongdoing.
• Assist the student to develop emotional literacy and positive social interaction skills.
• Act as advocate for students in case conferences.
• Have appropriate programmes and support in place for targeted students.

Services to Parents/Families

• Develop positive working relationships with parents/carers to support student’s school progress.
• Provide support to families struggling to access school and community resources.

Services to School Personnel

• Provide staff with essential information to better understand factors affecting a student’s performance and behaviour.
• Undertake assessments on pupils who may have mental health issues.
• Develop in-service training programs on factors that affect student progress (e.g., trauma, neglect, domestic abuse).
• Work with teachers to strengthen and restore relationships when issues arise.
• Provide direct support to staff when required.

School-Community Liaison

• Help the school maintain positive working relationships with external agencies.
• Identify and build an inventory of local community resources and external support services.
• Make referrals to statutory, voluntary and community organisations when student and/or family support is required.
• Advocate for new and improved community/school services to meet the needs of students and families.
• Help the system respond effectively to each student’s needs.
• Identify, report, and process safeguarding issues.
• Provide case management for students and families requiring multiple resources.

Evaluated at SEO Grade, SCP19-25 (21 March 2023)

Terms

This post is subject to an annual performance review.

This job may be altered from time to time in line with developing needs of the College.

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times. To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.

Person Specification

Notes to job applicants

• You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria; failure to do so may result in not being shortlisted. Demonstrate this for both essential and desirable criteria where relevant.
• You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless otherwise stated.
• The stage in the process when criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
• Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 using the information provided on the application form.
• The Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only applicants who meet the criteria for the role.
• In the event of many applications, the Selection Panel may apply desirable criteria at shortlisting; clearly demonstrate how you meet any desirable criteria on your application form.

Section 1 – Essential Criteria

The following criteria will be measured at shortlisting and may be explored during interview. Include clear demonstrations on your application.

• Qualifications/Experience: Hold a third level qualification (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 3) or higher in a relevant subject area (e.g., Youth Work, Community Work, Counselling, Social Work or Health and Social Care). PLUS Experience in a youth provision such as a Youth Club or School.
• Skills/Abilities: Demonstrable proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Section 2 – Essential Criteria

The following essential criteria will be measured during the interview/selection stage.

• Knowledge: Evidence of knowledge of the requirements of a Pastoral and Welfare Support Officer.
• Skills/Abilities: Effective planning and organisational skills; ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines; customer-focused approach; people management and team skills; sound interpersonal and communication skills.
• Values Orientation: Demonstrate how your experience and approach reflect the school’s values/ethos.

Section 3 – Desirable Criteria

Desirable criteria may be used to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Provide evidence on your application.

• Level 4 qualification or higher in a relevant subject area
• Experience of working in a school or college setting
• Experience of supporting Looked After Children
• Experience of being part of a Child Protection and Safeguarding team

Disclosure of Criminal Background

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people as ‘regulated activity’. If appointed to a post involving regulated activity, an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background will be undertaken. You will be expected to meet the cost of the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of payment will be provided at pre-employment stage.

Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice (without links).

Applicant Guidance Notes

To view applicant guidance notes, please refer to the guidance provided. To learn about the benefits of joining the Education Authority, view the information provided by the Authority.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer