At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students in their personal and social development, both in school and the community.
- Company: Join the innovative Nexus Multi Academy Trust, dedicated to empowering children with special needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career development, wellbeing support, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a nurturing and creative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in special needs education and a passion for supporting diverse learners.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Join the Nexus team as an Outreach Worker at Lotus Academy.
Hours: 32.5 hours per week
School and location: Lotus Academy, Lindsay Road, Sheffield S5 7WE
Contract type: Term Time Only / Permanent
Interview date: Thursday 10th September 2026 or Friday 11th September 2026
About our School: Lotus Academy is a new school working within Nexus Multi–Academy Trust. This is a really exciting time for the school as we continue to improve; all areas of the school are making progress and our new curriculum offer will enable our students to access the curriculum in a variety of ways. Our pupils have a range of complex Social Emotional and Mental Health needs. They enjoy a safe, creative and stimulating school environment with a strong emphasis on nurture and forming strong relationships with staff and peers. Their Individual Support Plans are reflective of their Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes, their risk assessments and the interventions that are required for a child to make progress in our school. Lotus Academy staff share the same commitment to ensuring that all our children achieve their full potential and can support our school values of: Empathy and Togetherness.
Our school is committed to providing care and support to some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children in the city. You would need to be flexible and committed to working as part of a team.
About the Trust: This is an exciting opportunity to join an award-winning Multi Academy Trust and be part of a welcoming and supportive team that serves amazing children and young people. Nexus Multi Academy Trust was founded in 2016, with 19 unique SEND and mainstream academies. We are a growing, forward-thinking and innovative Trust with a shared ethos, vision and values for a personalised child-centred approach. We are committed and invested in “Learning together, to be the best we can be” and it is as relatable to every employee and partner of our Trust as it is to our children, young adults and their families.
We are looking to appoint an experienced and enthusiastic practitioner who has the skills and knowledge to fulfil an Outreach Worker role. We are looking for someone who has experience with special needs education, who has a real passion to support and enable the learning and development of the children in our Academy. The position will appeal to experienced SEND practitioners and individuals who have other skills to offer, such as people who have supported with engaging pupils and young people in education or alternative learning experiences.
This role is about supporting our most complex pupils who, for a range of reasons, struggle to access the school environment and need support within the community. We are looking for practitioners who have an innovative approach to their work and aren’t afraid to think of new and interesting approaches to the support they offer. You will be supporting learners with their personal and social development through a holistic approach and will be a core part of the work involved in re‑engaging pupils who struggle to access their education. You will have the ability to build strong trusting relationships and embody the ethos of ‘unconditional positive regard’, even when faced with behaviour that may challenge. This will involve supporting pupils both at school and in the community.
Whether you are an experienced teaching assistant who has worked within specialist educational needs or someone who has a real drive to make a difference in children’s lives, you must be able to provide our children with aspirations for their futures along with promoting a positive culture in everything you do.
What you can expect from us:
- Access to free wellbeing support resources including counselling, medical and legal advice and an option to top up to private healthcare via corporate membership of a healthcare plan.
- Access to discount schemes for savings with high street retailers, restaurants, activities and lifestyle services.
- Auto enrolment into a leading pension scheme with Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Access to extensive and tailored career pathways, CPD programmes, training and coaching giving you the opportunity to grow and develop your career.
- An Induction package to help you settle in and approach your role with confidence and enthusiasm.
- The ability to contribute to and share quality practice with other professional TAs, Teachers and the wider team.
- Internal opportunities across the Trust academies and to work with specialised leaders in education on nationally recognised projects.
- Flexible working policies.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Annual leave increases based on length of service plus bank holidays for support staff.
Further information: For an informal and confidential conversation about the role, please contact our Headteacher – Nigel Roberson by emailing hr-enquiries@nexusmat.org to arrange a call. Further information about our school can be found on our school website: www.lotus-academy.org.
Nexus Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post involves working with children and young people. If successful you will be required to apply for a disclosure of criminal records check at an enhanced level and a barred list check. Further information about the Disclosure and Barring Service can be found at www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce.
Outreach Worker - Lotus Academy in Sheffield employer: Nexus Multi Academy Trust
Nexus Multi Academy Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for its staff. As a Specialist Education Outreach Practitioner, you will benefit from ongoing professional development, flexible working policies, and access to comprehensive wellbeing resources, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people. Join a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and invests in your growth, ensuring you have the tools and support needed to thrive in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Outreach Worker - Lotus Academy 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 Nexus Multi Academy Trust.
✨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 Nexus Multi Academy Trust!
✨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 Nexus Multi Academy Trust, 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 Nexus Multi Academy Trust 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 Outreach Worker - Lotus Academy 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 Nexus Multi Academy Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Nexus Multi Academy Trust! 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 Nexus Multi Academy Trust
✨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.
