At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people in overcoming barriers to education and achieving positive outcomes.
- Company: Join Together for Children Sunderland, an outstanding children's service making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to transforming lives and shaping innovative services.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience with children facing complex needs and a passion for inclusion and support.
The predicted salary is between 36363 - 36363 £ per year.
Grade 6 (SCP 22 - 25) - £33,699 - £36,363 per annum
Fixed term until March 2029
Full Time 37 hpw
Location: Alternative Provision settings and any Together for Children recognised location
Together for Children Sunderland is on a transformative journey to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in Sunderland. We are an outstanding Ofsted-rated Children's service, if you're committed to helping children, families, and our community thrive and have the skills to support our mission, we would love to hear from you.
Help young people build safer, more positive futures. Together for Children Sunderland is looking for a Reintegration Officer to join our new Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce. The APST is a new multi-disciplinary team established to improve outcomes for children and young people accessing Alternative Provision across Sunderland. Bringing together specialists from education, social care, youth justice and other services, the team provides coordinated support to strengthen inclusion, improve attendance and engagement, reduce risks associated with exclusion, exploitation and serious violence, and support successful reintegration into education, training and employment.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting some of Sunderland's most vulnerable young people, helping them overcome barriers, reduce risk and achieve positive educational and life outcomes.
About the role
This is an important role for someone who understands the barriers some children and young people face in education, and who can work practically and positively with schools, Alternative Provision settings, families and partner agencies to help remove those barriers. You will lead on planning, coordinating and supporting successful reintegration pathways for children and young people who are attending Alternative Provision, or who are at risk of requiring Alternative Provision. You will help ensure children remain connected to education, receive the right support at the right time, and are able to move successfully into appropriate education, training or employment pathways.
The role will involve working directly with children, parents, carers, schools and education providers to identify barriers to engagement and put effective plans in place. You will support transition arrangements before, during and after reintegration, monitor progress, and coordinate additional support where concerns emerge.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We will also carry out an online internet search for information that is publicly available online that might suggest that you are not fit to work with children or young people.
Due to recent changes in UKVI rules, this role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under the updated eligibility requirements effective 22 July 2025.
We want you to apply if you:
You will also work as part of a co-located multi-disciplinary team, alongside colleagues including social workers, family help workers, educational psychologists, youth justice practitioners and health professionals. Together, the team will develop coordinated support plans that are focused on improving attendance, reducing exclusions, supporting inclusion and achieving sustainable outcomes for children and young people.
We are looking for someone with experience of working with children and young people with complex needs, particularly those who may be vulnerable to poor attendance, suspension, exclusion or placement breakdown. You will need a good understanding of Alternative Provision, attendance, inclusion, safeguarding and transition planning, alongside the ability to build trusted relationships with children, families and professionals.
You will be organised, confident in managing a varied caseload, able to influence and challenge constructively, and committed to child-centred, strengths-based, trauma-informed and restorative practice. This is a real opportunity to help shape a new service and make a direct difference to children and young people who need strong, coordinated support to remain engaged in education and move forward positively.
This is a fixed-term role funded until March 2029 and offers an opportunity to help shape an innovative service at the forefront of Sunderland's inclusion and prevention agenda.
Why work with us?
- Make a difference: Our work matters. The work we do is incredibly rewarding. Join us and make a difference in the lives of our children, families, and community.
- Inclusion: Thrive in our diverse and inclusive culture and be part of our employee networks, including Accessibility, LGBTQ+, Racial Equality, Armed Forces and Menopause.
- Work-Life Balance: We offer a hybrid model of working with agile and flexible working arrangements, including part-time opportunities, flexible hours, and the possibility of remote work arrangements.
- Professional Development: Advance your career with our comprehensive induction, supervision, peer support, and supportive environment.
- Be part of a happier, healthier workforce: Benefit from our wide range of wellbeing activities and employee assistance programmes.
- Attractive Salary, Benefits and Rewards: for additional information please follow this link Together for Children Benefits and rewards.
We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to various ages, disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, beliefs, races, and ethnicities. We aim for our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
We are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. Please reach out to our EDI Lead inclusion@togetherforchildren.org.uk or peoplesupport@togetherforchildren.org.uk so we can discuss any adjustments or support we can provide during the recruitment process or within the workplace.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked-after young person, are care experienced, or are a veteran.
Are you ready to make a difference?
Reintegration Officer - Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce in Sunderland employer: North East Combined Authority
Northern Education Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the life chances of children and young people. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career progression across our family of schools. Our supportive work culture, combined with benefits like free flu vaccinations and onsite parking, makes Hetton Academy a rewarding place to work for those passionate about student wellbeing.
Contact Details:
North East Combined Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reintegration Officer - Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce in Sunderland
✨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 North East Combined Authority.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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We think you need these skills to ace Reintegration Officer - Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce in Sunderland
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 North East Combined Authority:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to North East Combined Authority! 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 North East Combined Authority
✨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.
