At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils and families to boost school attendance and engagement.
- Company: Forge Valley School, a vibrant 11-18 Academy with a focus on community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and strengthen community ties.
- Qualifications: Experience in pastoral support and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 40000 £ per year.
Forge Valley School is an 11-18 Academy sponsored by INOVA Multi-Academy Trust. We are seeking to appoint a Community Engagement and Family Support Officer to work within our dedicated Attendance / Pastoral Team. The postholder will support pupils and parents to help improve levels of attendance, in particular pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The successful candidate will be required to develop an understanding of the reasons behind poor attendance, implementing strategies to improve attitudes towards the school working closely with the school's Attendance & Behaviour Manager, assisting in the completion of MAST /CYT referrals and FCAF documents.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:
- Emotional intelligence required to build effective and positive relationships with both pupils and parents.
- Good communicator who will be totally committed to the welfare of our pupils.
- Up-to-date knowledge of and an understanding of the factors resulting in pupils not attending school regularly.
- Resilience with families and pupils to ensure that the relationship between home and school is excellent, particularly for disadvantaged pupils/families.
- Experience of school attendance and/or pastoral support.
- Experience of working with outside agencies.
- Proven track record of organisational ability; methodical, well organised, and able to prioritise and work to deadlines.
- Good interpersonal skills – confident communicator, able to engage constructively with young people from a variety of backgrounds.
- Self-motivated and able to work using own initiative.
Forge Valley is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. Candidates are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with Forge Valley School Safeguarding procedures.
For further information or to visit the school, please contact: Lorna Jennings – PA to Headteacher, Forge Valley School, Wood Lane, Sheffield, S6 5HG.
Community Engagement and Family Support Officer in Sheffield employer: Forge Valley School & Sixth Form
Forge Valley School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the welfare and development of its staff while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. As part of the INOVA Multi-Academy Trust, employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities and a collaborative environment dedicated to improving student outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged families. Located in Sheffield, the school offers a meaningful role where you can make a real difference in the community, supported by a passionate team committed to educational excellence.
Contact Details:
Forge Valley School & Sixth Form Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement and Family Support Officer in Sheffield
✨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 Forge Valley School & Sixth Form.
✨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 Forge Valley School & Sixth Form!
✨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 Forge Valley School & Sixth Form, 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 Forge Valley School & Sixth Form 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 Community Engagement and Family Support Officer in Sheffield
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 Forge Valley School & Sixth Form:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Forge Valley School & Sixth Form! 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 Forge Valley School & Sixth Form
✨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.
