At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's learning and wellbeing in a vibrant primary school environment.
- Company: A friendly urban primary school in Salford, close to Manchester.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and contribute to exciting future developments.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience working with children in a primary school setting.
The predicted salary is between 27255 - 32000 £ per year.
Working Hours: 36 hours per week, term time only plus 5 days
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 4/9/26
Interview Date: W/c 14/9/26
About us
We are a large urban primary school in Salford, touching distance from Manchester City Centre. We serve a vibrant, diverse community and value and celebrate this diversity at all levels in school. The Friars is a supportive, friendly school with opportunities for growth within our staff group and a range of additional opportunities for staff and children. We currently have exciting vacancies within our team to enable us to continue to build on our success and also bring new experience, knowledge and ideas into the team.
About the role
We are looking for a Children & Families Officer and Administrator who has experience of working with children in a Primary School setting to join our staff team. This role will predominantly involve providing support to the Children & Families Lead including acting as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and attendance officer. The successful candidate would also join the Emotional Health & Wellbeing Team and run 2 after school clubs linked to mental health and wellbeing.
The successful candidate will:
- Demonstrate a commitment to our school ethos and values
- Have a passion for promoting and supporting children’s learning and wellbeing
- Be able to support the learning and wellbeing of children of different ages across school as required
- Be able to relate well to both children and adults and be able to work well in a team
Duties will include working alongside colleagues and families as well as supporting individual and groups of children. This is an exciting opportunity to join our fantastic school and to be part of its future developments.
About the benefits
You will be welcomed into a friendly environment where your personal and professional development will be encouraged. You will have the opportunity to work and grow in a people-centred and values-based organisation that promotes a positive permission culture. Your opinions matter so you will have the opportunity to shape how we do things through our Salford 100 employee group and our employee led redesign approach. Your work-life balance and wellbeing are important to us so you will have access to a range of benefits including flexible working, green travel.
What we need from you if you are invited to interview:
- Passport/ID - You will be required to provide documentary proof of your right to work in the UK
- Qualifications/registrations – if applicable for the role
Please note that Salford City Council is currently unable to provide visa sponsorship for any role, as no Certificates of Sponsorship are available. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship.
We are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture and are proud of our professional accreditations which champion this.
Child and Families Officer employer: Salford Council
Salford Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community by supporting vulnerable individuals through their challenging times. With a flexible hybrid working model, employees enjoy a balanced work-life environment while benefiting from professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture that values compassion and teamwork. Joining the Salford Assist Team means being part of a mission-driven organisation that prioritises employee well-being and community service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child and Families Officer
✨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 Salford Council.
✨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 Salford Council!
✨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 Salford Council, 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 Salford Council 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 Child and Families Officer
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 Salford Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Salford Council! 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 Salford Council
✨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.