At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, promoting well-being and academic success.
- Company: Join Marden Lodge Primary School, a caring community focused on education.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with a network of schools for shared expertise and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting vulnerable families and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 13256 - 13962 £ per year.
Are you passionate about supporting children and families to thrive both in and out of the classroom? Marden Lodge Primary School is seeking a dedicated and compassionate part-time Family Link Worker to join our team on a permanent basis. This is a vital role focused on building strong relationships with families, promoting pupil well-being, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed through positive home-school partnerships. If you’re enthusiastic about making a real difference in the lives of young people and their families, we’d love to hear from you.
The Family Link Worker at Marden Lodge Primary School plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being, safety, and academic success of pupils by acting as a bridge between home and school. As a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), the postholder will work closely with school staff, families, and external agencies to identify and address barriers to learning, improve attendance and punctuality, and provide early intervention and tailored support to vulnerable pupils and their families. The role also involves facilitating parenting groups, conducting home visits, and contributing to safeguarding meetings, while promoting positive transitions and long-term engagement with school and community life.
What we are looking for:
- A strong background in supporting vulnerable families, including experience as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with families, staff, and external agencies.
- Proven experience in improving attendance and punctuality, and the ability to interpret and use data to support pupil outcomes.
- A passion for supporting children’s well-being and removing barriers to learning, with a proactive and compassionate approach.
- Confident, self-motivated, and well-organised, with a positive attitude and commitment to professional development.
- Strong ICT skills and a willingness to participate in wider school and community life.
About Marden Lodge Primary School: Our School sits within an established cluster of Primary schools, overseen by a Regional Director. Along with Marden Lodge, our cluster includes the following other schools; Chestnut Park Primary School, Whyteleafe Primary School, Warlingham Village Primary School and Hillcroft Primary School. This is an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues across this cluster, to share expertise and experience, ensuring all children in our schools receive an excellent education and reach their potential. It also provides opportunities for career progression across the cluster and gives you the chance to further your professional development.
As a part of GLF Schools, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education. With regular progression discussions, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career, whether in one of our 43 academies or in our central team.
GLF Schools Employment Offer: GLF Schools has a generous employment offer, which allows all our colleagues to Grow, Learn and Flourish:
- Access to our highly competitive pension scheme
- Flexible working options
- Generous holiday allowance
- Work life and family friendly policies
- Employee wellbeing initiatives
- Career pathways and talent management
- Access to a staff benefits portal
- Community and collaboration working model
Safeguarding Statement: GLF Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employment is subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). As a Trust, we are happy to discuss flexible working opportunities. GLF Schools recognises and celebrates the diversity of its schools and their communities. There is a shared commitment across the Trust to develop further a culture of respect, where discrimination is not tolerated, and individuals are treated equitably and fairly and feel a sense of belonging. We strive for an inclusive environment where staff, children and students are comfortable to express their own identity, should they wish, in which diversity and inclusion is of mutual benefit for everyone in our schools. We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups including those based on ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Family Link Worker employer: Whyteleafe School
Marden Lodge Primary and Nursery School is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where staff can truly make a difference in the lives of children and families. With a strong emphasis on professional development, flexible working options, and a commitment to employee well-being, our team enjoys a collaborative culture that encourages growth and innovation across our cluster of schools in Caterham, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Link Worker
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Whyteleafe School, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Whyteleafe School. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Whyteleafe School's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Link Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Whyteleafe School. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Whyteleafe School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Whyteleafe School
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Whyteleafe School.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Family Link Worker at Whyteleafe School.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Whyteleafe School that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Family Link Worker role.
