At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and students with Autism Spectrum Condition in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Join the dedicated team at Aurora Poppyfield School, committed to student well-being.
- Benefits: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and multi-disciplinary support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and their families.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English minimum Grade 4; relevant qualifications desirable.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
Join our dedicated team at Poppyfield School, where we support students aged 11-16 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) through a nurturing and inclusive approach. We empower our young people to access the national curriculum in a way that works for them and to achieve meaningful vocational qualifications by the time they leave school. Due to internal promotion we're looking to recruit a Family Support Officer.
You will work with our DSL/Pastoral lead, together with the therapy team in supporting families of our students.
Why Apply?
- You want to make a real difference to pupils and their families.
- You enjoy working with an inspiring pupil community.
- You value collaboration within a committed multi-disciplinary team.
- You care about well-being and want an organisation that shares those values.
- You're looking for an employer that supports, develops, and invests in its staff.
Key Duties:
- Act as a role model and support the development of supportive relationships between home and school.
- Coordinate the effective implementation of the Attendance Policy.
- Monitor, track and report on pupil attendance and those where there are concerns around attendance.
- Liaise with parents/carers who are currently open to family support and early help to ensure a multi-disciplinary approach.
- Deliver relevant staff training (CPD).
- Provide therapeutic support to pupils who are struggling to engage in class-based learning or school, in consultation with the therapy team and key members of the teaching team, with the aim of re-engagement in class.
- Produce attendance and family-support data for SLT and Governors.
- Ensure that all relevant monitoring, recording and reporting has been completed, to ensure compliance with relevant policies, procedures and legislation.
Please note that duties will vary and you will be expected to contribute to the overall aims of Poppyfield when required.
Skills and Qualifications
- GCSE Maths and English qualification minimum Grade 4 or equivalent is essential.
- A relevant professional qualification or the ability to gain L3 in working with children and young people.
- L3 in working with children and young people is highly desirable.
- Qualifications in psychology or social care would be desirable.
How to Apply:
For candidates that haven't worked in this sector before please be aware that for regulatory reasons the application process is far more detailed and thorough compared to other sectors. Please complete the online application form in full, including all employment and education details, and provide a personal statement that makes us keen to speak to you. If you need any assistance or would like any more information, please contact Liz in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team.
Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children. The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.
This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled. Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.
Family Support officer - DDSL 0301 in Leatherhead employer: The Aurora Group
At Aurora Poppyfield School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both our staff and students. Our commitment to employee development is evident through ongoing training opportunities and a collaborative work culture that values well-being and teamwork. Located in a nurturing setting, we empower our Family Support Officers to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with Autism Spectrum Condition, ensuring that every team member feels valued and inspired to contribute to our mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support officer - DDSL 0301 in Leatherhead
✨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 The Aurora Group.
✨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 The Aurora Group!
✨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 The Aurora Group, 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 The Aurora Group 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 Family Support officer - DDSL 0301 in Leatherhead
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 The Aurora Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Aurora Group! 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 The Aurora Group
✨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.
