At a Glance
- Tasks: Support safeguarding, attendance, and pupil wellbeing in an alternative provision setting.
- Company: Join London South East Academies Trust, dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable pupils and families.
- Qualifications: Safeguarding qualifications and experience in educational settings required.
The predicted salary is between 27445 - 30866 £ per year.
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) / Family Worker – East Sussex Skills Academy (ESSA) within London South East Academies Trust.
Salary: LSEAT H24–H28 | £27,445–£30,866 (actual). Hours: 35 hours per week | Term Time Only.
About the role
ESSA is seeking a dedicated Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) / Family Worker to support safeguarding, attendance and pupil wellbeing within our alternative provision. Working closely with the DSL and Senior Leadership Team, you will play a key role in ensuring robust safeguarding practices, effective multi‑agency working and meaningful support for pupils and families, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
Responsibilities
- Day‑to‑day safeguarding and welfare support
- Act as a key point of contact for pupils, families, staff and external agencies
- Lead and contribute to multi‑agency safeguarding and attendance work
- Monitor attendance and safeguarding concerns using data to inform action
- Support families experiencing complex challenges
- Contribute to pupil induction and ongoing wellbeing support
Qualifications
- Hold safeguarding qualifications
- Have experience of safeguarding and/or attendance in an educational setting
- Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
- Resilient, flexible and committed to inclusive education
- Can work confidently with vulnerable pupils and families
- Experience in SEMH or alternative provision is desirable.
London South East Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Equal Opportunities
London South East Academies Trust is fully committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer and to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful working environment, free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome and encourage applications from all, regardless of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, parental status or marital or partnership status. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we will offer an interview to applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role.
DDSL/Family worker employer: London South East Colleges
Contact Detail:
London South East Colleges Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land DDSL/Family worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those involved in safeguarding. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your safeguarding knowledge and practices. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've made a difference in pupil wellbeing or attendance.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, highlight how you've built relationships with families and external agencies. This is key for a DDSL/Family Worker role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace DDSL/Family worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the DDSL/Family Worker role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in safeguarding and communication can make a difference. Share specific examples of how you've supported vulnerable pupils or families in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your passion for inclusive education shines through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at London South East Colleges
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your safeguarding knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific practices and policies you've implemented in previous roles, as well as how you would handle various safeguarding scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a DDSL/Family Worker, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with pupils, families, and external agencies. Think about times when your relationship-building skills made a difference.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Flexibility
This role can be challenging, so be prepared to talk about how you've handled difficult situations in the past. Share stories that highlight your resilience and ability to adapt to changing circumstances, especially when working with vulnerable individuals.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Multi-Agency Work
Since the role involves multi-agency collaboration, it’s important to understand how different organisations work together. Research local services and be ready to discuss how you would engage with them to support pupils and families effectively.