At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' welfare and tackle underachievement in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join Don Valley Academy, a transformative educational trust in the North of England.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, extensive wellbeing support, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Experience in student welfare and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team with exciting career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Don Valley Academy are looking to appoint a Student Welfare Officer and DDSL to join our academy as soon as possible on a full time, permanent basis. Do you want to work for a Trust that is transforming educational outcomes for students in some of the most deprived areas in the North of England? If so, this could be the role for you.
Your new role: As a Student Welfare Officer, you will assist in tackling underachievement by working in partnership with families, parents/carers, students and external agencies in a school context to enable students, particularly the most disadvantaged, to have full access to educational opportunities and overcome barriers to learning and participation. You will work directly with families in a non-judgemental way, empowering them and their family to get the most out of the educational opportunities available. You will also support the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in the academy in your role as Deputy DSL.
Hours: 37 hours per week / Term Time only plus 10 Days (40 Weeks) / Permanent.
Please see the job description on our website for the essential criteria and more information on the role. If you feel you have the necessary skills and experience required for this position, then we would very much like to hear from you.
Your new Academy: Don Valley Academy is a vibrant, oversubscribed, secondary Academy with over 1100 students on roll from Year 7 to 11. We serve a mixed community; however, despite these challenges, you will find Don Valley students to be polite and engaged with their learning. Collaboration is at the heart of the Academy for both students and staff, and you will find Don Valley Academy to be positive and reflective towards their own professionalism, with wellbeing as a pivotal aspect of our Academy ethos.
Our most recent Ofsted inspection was in July 2024. There has been no change to the Academy’s overall judgement of ‘Good’ as a result of this ungraded (Section 8) inspection. However, the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might be ‘Outstanding’ if a graded (Section 5) inspection were carried out.
Don Valley Academy is proud to be an EEF Research School. One of only 33 Research Schools across England, we work to exemplify our evidence-informed teaching and learning strategies, share what we know about putting research into practice, and support schools in the region to make better use of evidence to inform and improve their teaching and learning.
We are very proud of our Academy and the opportunities available for staff and students alike. We would love to show you around so you can find out more for yourself about what your career could look like with us. Please contact us directly if you would like to arrange a visit.
Why join us? Staff across the trust are talented and enthusiastic, and all contribute to the trust’s success story. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an outstanding team within a high performing multi-academy trust with exciting career prospects for successful applicants.
As a Trust, we have developed an extensive range of employee benefits that focus on your Financial, Physical and Mental Wellbeing. Here are just a few examples in each area:
- Financial Wellbeing: Membership to either the Local Government Pension Scheme, Technology scheme and Vehicle Leasing Scheme, Access to an extensive discounts platform.
- Physical Wellbeing: 24/7 access to an online GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner for you & your household, Gym & fitness discounts, Cycle to Work scheme, Free annual flu jab.
- Mental Wellbeing: Access to an industry leading Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Support Service, Trained Mental Health First Aiders in all our settings.
Subject to ensuring NMW is maintained. Holiday Entitlement: minimum 37 days (subject to pro rata if working part time and dependent upon salary and continuous service) including statutory.
Student Welfare Officer and DDSL - Don Valley Academy in Doncaster employer: SSAT
Contact Detail:
SSAT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Welfare Officer and DDSL - Don Valley Academy in Doncaster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Don Valley Academy on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the academy's values and recent achievements. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in being part of our mission to transform educational outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to student welfare and safeguarding. We want to see how you’d handle real-life scenarios, so think of examples from your experience!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at Don Valley Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Welfare Officer and DDSL - Don Valley Academy in Doncaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, especially for those who face challenges.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Student Welfare Officer role. Highlight any relevant work with families or safeguarding experience that showcases your fit for the position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and motivations. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to access all the information you need about the role and our academy.
How to prepare for a job interview at SSAT
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Student Welfare Officer and DDSL. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by students in deprived areas and think about how you can contribute to overcoming these barriers. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
In this position, you'll be working closely with families and students from diverse backgrounds. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully supported individuals in the past. Highlight your ability to approach situations non-judgmentally and empower others, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Collaboration is Key
Don Valley Academy values collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you work effectively with others. Think of specific instances where you've partnered with colleagues, parents, or external agencies to achieve positive outcomes. This will demonstrate that you're a team player who aligns with the academy's ethos.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the academy’s initiatives, particularly around student welfare and safeguarding. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also invested in the academy's mission and future developments.