At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' wellbeing and help them overcome barriers to thrive.
- Company: Join the dedicated team at Staffordshire University Academy.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow in a caring, dynamic team focused on student welfare.
- Why this job: Be a key player in creating a safe and inclusive space for young people.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable youth and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35892 £ per year.
Start date: 1st September 2026
About the role
Staffordshire University Academy is a rapidly improving academy, and due to increased student numbers Team SUA is looking to appoint a committed and compassionate Inclusion Support Officer to join our dedicated pastoral team. We believe every young person deserves to feel safe, supported and able to thrive. If you are passionate about helping young people overcome barriers and reach their potential, this is a role where you will make a meaningful difference every single day.
Responsibilities
- Act as a key point of contact for safeguarding and welfare concerns
- Respond promptly and appropriately to safeguarding issues
- Maintain accurate safeguarding records in line with statutory guidance
- Escalate concerns to the DSL/DDSL and external agencies as required
- Carry out safe and well visits when appropriate
- Attend safeguarding, child protection and welfare meetings
- Support vulnerable students, including looked-after children, young carers, and those in crisis
- Assist with student reintegration following absence, suspension, or alternative provision
- Communicate professionally with parents/carers on safeguarding matters
- Provide consistent, trusted support for identified students
Qualifications
- A caring, calm professional with a strong commitment to student wellbeing and inclusion
- Experience of working with vulnerable children or young people (education or similar setting)
- A good understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with students, families, and staff
- Organised and reliable, with the ability to manage records accurately and handle sensitive information
- Proactive, resilient, and able to work both independently and as part of a team
Safeguarding statement: Staffordshire University Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants will be required to disclose all unspent and unfiltered spent reprimands, cautions and convictions.
Inclusion Support Officer - Staffordshire University Academy employer: Staffordshire University
Staffordshire University Academy is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and student wellbeing, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people every day. The academy offers a collaborative work culture, professional development opportunities, and the chance to be part of a rapidly improving institution that values compassion and dedication.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inclusion Support Officer - Staffordshire University Academy
✨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 Staffordshire University.
✨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 Staffordshire University!
✨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 Staffordshire University, 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 Staffordshire University 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 Inclusion Support Officer - Staffordshire University Academy
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 Staffordshire University:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Staffordshire University! 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 Staffordshire University
✨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.
