Education Welfare Officer

Job Introduction

Every child deserves the chance to thrive in school. Our Attendance & Inclusion Team champions this mission—ensuring children across [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] can access a positive, consistent education. Now, we’re looking for someone with passion and purpose to join us.

As an Education Welfare Officer, you’ll be on the frontline of supporting children, families, and schools. This is a peripatetic role, covering districts including [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Moorlands, Newcastle, and [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], giving you the opportunity to make an impact across varied communities.

You'll work in partnership with schools, families, the community and the Local Authority assessing for and proceeding with statutory action when all other routes of support have been exhausted. With a strong safeguarding focus, you’ll identify barriers to attendance, offer practical solutions, and help fulfil statutory duties that keep children safe and engaged in learning.

We have 2 posts as a 12‑month opportunity where your work will directly influence the wellbeing, safety, and educational outcomes of children and young people.

Main Responsibility

• Support statutory action to improve irregular attendance, including issuing penalty notices, facilitating consultation meetings, and preparing cases for court under the Education Act 1996 and Children Act 1989.
• Contribute to key statutory duties around Elective Home Education, Children Missing Education, School Attendance Orders and Section 19.
• Hold targeted support meetings to help schools boost attendance and tackle persistent absence.
• Present at termly district meetings to share best practice with schools across [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal].
• Play an active role in safeguarding—contributing to child protection and child in need plans, and working closely with Early Help partners.
• Manage duties relating to child entertainment and employment licences.
• Maintain accurate records and produce high-quality assessments and reports.
• Grow your expertise in specialist areas of practice.

The Ideal Candidate

• Significant experience in education, welfare work, or direct support with children and families.
• A minimum NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in working with children and families.
• Confident understanding of education legislation, safeguarding and multi-agency collaboration.
• Empathy and insight into challenges such as mental health, substance misuse, domestic abuse or poverty, and how these impact attendance.
• Excellent organisation and communication skills to manage your own caseload and produce clear, accurate reports.
• The ability to work both independently under pressure and collaboratively as part of a team.
• A commitment to equality, inclusion, and children’s wellbeing.
• Strong IT skills and confidence maintaining detailed professional records.

About [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

We are no ordinary county council. Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice. We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] people.

Our benefits include a supportive working environment and access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal].

As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities.