Education Welfare Officer
What is the work like?
Education welfare officers, sometimes known as education social workers, work with schools, pupils and families to resolve issues of poor school attendance.
As an education welfare officer your work would include:
- identifying problems and possible solutions
- advising parents about their legal responsibility to make sure their children receive an education up to the age of 16
- taking action through the magistrate’s court if necessary
- helping families to receive benefits such as financial help with school meals, transport and clothing
- making referrals to other agencies, such as social services, educational psychologists or the Connexions service
- making home visits or meeting pupils and parents in school to provide ongoing support
- encouraging parents to make good relationships with the school
- helping to arrange alternative education for pupils who are excluded from school
- administrative tasks such as writing up case notes, sending letters to parents and preparing court reports.
You would also be involved in regulating child employment, advising on child protection issues, and preparing reports on pupils with special educational needs as part of the assessment process.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would need to have experience of working with children or young people and their families.
As you would be working with children, you would need CRB clearance.
Employers will often expect you to have (or be working towards) a diploma or degree in social work. Visit the Social Work and Care Careers website for details of social work qualifications. Other relevant qualifications and experience include teaching and youth and community work.
You may be able to find work as an educational welfare officer without a professional qualification if you have a lot of relevant experience and at least A levels or equivalent qualifications, or sometimes a degree. You could build up your experience by volunteering, for example in youth work, mentoring or through Community Service Volunteers.
As your work would involve visiting schools and pupils' homes, you would need a driving licence and use of a car.
What further training and development can I do?
When you start work as an education welfare officer, you would receive induction training from your employer.
You would be supervised by a senior colleague, and would also have the opportunity for ongoing training and professional development.
If you are not already qualified you would probably be encouraged to complete a relevant qualification such as a degree in social work or NVQ Level 4 in Learning, Development and Support Services.
Where can I go for more information?
Albion Court5 Albion Place
Leeds
LS1 6JL
Tel: 0113 245 1716
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Salaries can range from around £20,000 to over £30,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
Salary levels vary according to the local authority and the geographical area.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 9am to 5pm, but may have to attend school parents' evenings or make home visits in the evening.
You would be office-based, but would spend a lot of your time out and about, visiting schools and pupils' homes.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good listening skills and a sympathetic approach
- the ability to make good working relationships with pupils, parents, teachers and other professionals
- an understanding of the law relating to education and child care
- a calm approach to confrontational situations
- accurate record-keeping skills and the ability to write complex reports
- team-working skills.
What opportunities are there?
You would be employed by education welfare services departments of local authorities.
With experience, you could progress to a position such as team leader, senior education welfare officer or head of service. As education welfare services departments are usually fairly small, you would usually need to move to another area to progress to a more senior position.
Other options include moving into other types of work such as social services, the probation service or youth work – you may need further training for some of these.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):
Education Guardian
Times Educational Supplement
lgjobs.com
Community Care
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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