Refugee Education Officer in Bradford

The Education Access Team is a welcoming, supportive and dedicated team within Bradford Council's Children's Services. We work with vulnerable children and young people from all backgrounds who may face barriers to accessing education.

Our team supports families in a wide range of circumstances, including newly arrived families, refugees and asylum seekers, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, and other children and young people who require additional support to access education. Working closely with families, schools and partner agencies, we provide advice, guidance, advocacy and practical support to help children secure school places, overcome barriers and achieve positive educational outcomes. Our work also contributes to the Council's statutory responsibilities relating to education access and Children Missing Education (CME), helping ensure that children receive suitable educational provision.

We are looking to recruit two dedicated Refugee Education Officers to join our Education Access Team. These specialist roles provide an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people by supporting refugee and asylum-seeking families to understand and access the education system, overcome barriers and settle successfully into education. The successful candidates will work directly with families, schools, Council services and partner organisations, providing practical guidance, advocacy and coordinated support. They will also contribute to the wider work of the Education Access Team where required.

The main responsibilities of this role include:

• Support refugee and asylum-seeking children and young people to access suitable education, working closely with families, schools, admissions colleagues and partner agencies.
• Manage an allocated caseload, undertaking family visits, assessing educational needs, identifying barriers and ensuring appropriate follow-up and case closure.
• Provide information and guidance to families about school admissions, attendance, the education system and relevant support services, using interpreters where appropriate.
• Support children and young people to start and settle into education, including transitions between schools and access to post-16 education, ESOL and training pathways.
• Identify additional needs, including special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), health concerns and safeguarding issues, and work with appropriate services to coordinate support and referrals.
• Work collaboratively with schools and partner organisations, promoting inclusive, culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records using MRI and other approved Council systems, ensuring appropriate information sharing and compliance with Council procedures.
• Contribute to the wider work of the Education Access Team, including supporting colleagues, partnership working and service improvement.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have experience of supporting children, young people or families within education, youth, community or related support services.
• Have knowledge of the UK education system and an understanding of barriers that refugee and asylum-seeking families may experience.
• Can communicate effectively, build positive relationships and work sensitively with families from diverse backgrounds.
• Have good organisational skills and can manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records and work independently as well as part of a team.
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding, equality, confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Hold a recognised Level 4 NVQ/GNVQ or equivalent qualification in Education, Youth, Community or Social Work.
• Have access to a usable car to undertake the travel required by the role.

Please Note: An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for this post. The posts are temporary, term-time-only positions. Salary will be paid pro rata to the full-time equivalent salary, in accordance with the contracted working arrangements.

If you are interested in joining our team and would like further information about the posts, please contact Ransome Oginni, Senior Education Access Officer (Refugees & Asylum), on 07773123888 and ransome.oginni@bradford.gov.uk.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.