At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable pupils by arranging education and collaborating with various services.
- Company: Join Torbay Council's dedicated Children's Services team focused on improving educational outcomes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: This role requires an Enhanced Criminal Record Check; apply early as adverts may close sooner.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Must have experience working with children, strong communication skills, and knowledge of safeguarding procedures.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 27000 £ per year.
Vulnerable Pupils Support Officer - 37 hours
Application Deadline: 13 September 2026
Department: Childrens Services
Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract
Location: Torbay Council
Reporting To: Team Manager
Compensation: GBP 27,274 - GBP 29,071 / year
Description
Job Description & Person Specification >
We have an exciting opportunity for a Vulnerable Pupils Support Officer to join our Education and SEND service within the Vulnerable Pupils team.
We are a committed and collaborative team focused on promoting the education, inclusion and positive outcomes of vulnerable children and young people across Torbay. This role is central to supporting pupils who may be at risk of not receiving sufficient education, ensuring they are visible, supported and able to achieve their potential.
You will work closely with colleagues across Children's Services, schools and multi-agency partners to provide coordinated support to children and families. This includes undertaking direct work such as home visits, supporting attendance processes, and working with families who are electing to home educate. A key part of the role is ensuring the voice of the child is heard and embedded in all planning and decision-making.
We are looking for a proactive and compassionate practitioner who is confident working independently in the community, including lone working, while maintaining strong partnership links with professionals. You will have experience of working with children, young people and families who may be vulnerable or hard to reach, and a good understanding of safeguarding, education systems and multi-agency working.
You will play a key role in supporting casework, gathering and analysing information, arranging meetings such as risk of exclusion and medical panels. Attention to detail and strong organisational skills are essential to ensure accurate recording and effective monitoring of outcomes.
Our ethos is rooted in working restoratively and collaboratively, supporting families in a preventative way wherever possible. We are passionate about improving life chances, raising aspirations and ensuring every child has access to suitable education.
We recognise this is a demanding but rewarding role, and we are committed to investing in our workforce. You will be supported to develop your skills and maximise your impact on outcomes for children and young people.
The role requires the ability to travel across Torbay and work flexibly, including undertaking home visits and lone working in the community.
This is a 6 month fixed term contract with a start date of September 2026.
This post will be carrying out Regulated Activity. As such the post will require an Enhanced Criminal Record Check plus an additional Barred List Check. The check will reveal any spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions (which have not been filtered), any local Police information and a check of either the Adult, Child or Adult and Child Barred Lists.
Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 21st September 2026.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
At times there is a need to close our adverts earlier than the date specified, however this advert will not close before 10th September 2026.
Skills
Essential:
- Effective ICT and administration skills to use case recording systems and microsoft applications.
- Ability to communicate effective to a range of audiences including parents/carers and other professionals.
- Ability to work effectively with colleagues and partners across agency boundaries.
- Effective organisational skills to meet deadlines.
- Excellent literacy skills in producing succinct and effective documentation.
This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Knowledge
Essential:
- Sound knowledge of Child Protection and safeguarding procedures.
- Knowledge of keeping Children Safe in Education.
- The impact of trauma and attachment difficulties on learning and attainment.
- Knowledge of working with schools as systems.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential:
- Educated to GCSE / Level 3 standard or equivalent.
- Evidence of Continued Professional Development.
- Experience of working with children and young people.
- Experience of supporting needs and delivering evidence informed intervention programmes.
- Experience of using IT systems for diary management, case recording, report writing and emails.
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Vulnerable Pupils Support Officer - 37 hours in Torquay employer: Torbay Council
Torbay Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the families they serve. With flexible hours and hybrid working options, staff can achieve a healthy work-life balance while engaging in meaningful work that directly impacts the community. Opportunities for professional development and training ensure that employees can grow their skills and advance in their careers, making Torbay Council a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vulnerable Pupils Support Officer - 37 hours in Torquay
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by vulnerable pupils. Understanding their needs and the impact of trauma on learning will help you demonstrate your commitment to supporting these children during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of child services. Attend local workshops or seminars related to child protection and safeguarding, as this can provide valuable insights and connections that may benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving vulnerable pupils, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Torbay Council's initiatives and policies regarding vulnerable pupils. Being knowledgeable about their current strategies will not only impress the interviewers but also show your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Vulnerable Pupils Support Officer - 37 hours in Torquay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Vulnerable Pupils Support Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience working with children and young people, particularly in challenging environments. Mention any specific programmes or interventions you have been involved in that relate to the role.
Showcase Communication Skills:Since effective communication is essential for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to communicate with various audiences, including parents, carers, and professionals from different agencies.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Torbay Council
✨Show Your Passion for Supporting Vulnerable Pupils
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with vulnerable children and young people. Share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in their lives.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is key in this role, prepare to discuss how you've successfully communicated with various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and other professionals. Use examples that showcase your ability to adapt your communication style to different audiences.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Abilities
Be ready to talk about how you manage your workload and prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment. Discuss any tools or methods you use to stay organised, especially when dealing with multiple cases or deadlines.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Policies
Brush up on your knowledge of child protection, safeguarding procedures, and the impact of trauma on learning. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you are well-prepared and knowledgeable about the challenges faced by vulnerable pupils.
