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Position reference: 50144281/50144282/50009578/756054
Directorate: Children's Services | Service: Education & Partnerships
Salary: £35,412 - £38,220 pro rata
Working Arrangements: Monday to Friday flexible working
Hours per week: 2 x 37 hrs fixed term & 1 x 30 hrs permanent
Contract type: 2 x Fixed Term until 31/10/2027 / 1 x Permanent
Suitable for Secondment: Employees wishing to be considered for secondment should agree with their head of service before submitting an application form.
Closing date: 31/10/2025 at 23:59
This post requires an Enhanced DBS Check.
If you are currently living overseas or have lived overseas in the last five years, please be aware that if you are the preferred candidate you will be required to apply for an overseas criminal records check from the country/countries you have resided in. If you experience difficulty in obtaining an overseas criminal record check, please email dbs@barnsley.gov.uk.
When applying, please ensure you are prepared to start work with all the necessary legal documents, such as a valid visa, relevant to the type of work you will be undertaking. Please be aware that our organisation does not possess a Home Office license and, as a result, is unable to provide sponsorship for anyone seeking a visa as a skilled or temporary migrant worker.
Pensions Regulations have provisions to reduce pension payments in certain circumstances of those who return to work within local government service. If you are in receipt of a pension upon commencing employment with the authority, this may affect your pension entitlements and you should therefore seek advice from the relevant Pensions Authority.
About The Post
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families? Barnsley Council is launching a bold, multi‑agency initiative to reduce Elective Home Education (EHE) registrations by 30%, in line with our "Every Child in School Every Day" (ECISED) plan, funded through our Great Childhood Ambition. We are seeking two dedicated Education Welfare Officers (EWOs) to join a newly formed project team focused on reintegrating children—particularly those in Year 9—back into school‑based education.
About The Role
As an EWO, you will be a lead practitioner for identified families, working collaboratively with partners across Youth Justice, Early Help, Social Care, the Virtual School, and the Contextual Safeguarding Team. You will conduct in‑depth assessments and develop bespoke transition plans that address educational, emotional, and social barriers to school reintegration.
Key Responsibilities
* Undertake comprehensive assessments using tools such as Motional and Early Help Assessment.
* Develop and implement tailored transition packages for children and families.
* Deliver interventions including:
o One‑to‑one academic readiness support.
o Whole‑family support.
o Mental health and wellbeing programme referrals.
o Peer mentoring and school orientation.
o Links to Family Hubs and parenting support.
* Monitor progress and contribute to case studies and longitudinal tracking.
* Work closely with the Project Lead to ensure alignment with the ECISED plan and wider strategic goals.
What We're Looking For
* Experience in education welfare, social work, or a related field.
* Strong assessment and case management skills.
* Ability to build trust with families and work collaboratively across agencies.
* Knowledge of safeguarding, educational inclusion, and the challenges facing children outside formal education.
* Commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and reducing NEET risk.
Why Join Us
* Be part of an innovative, evidence‑based project with real impact.
* Work in a supportive, multi‑agency environment.
* Access to training and professional development.
* Help shape best practice and contribute to cross‑sector learning.
Benefits
* Flexible working to support work/life balance.
* Competitive salary and excellent pension scheme.
* Opportunities for training and development to grow your career.
* Chance to make a real difference to people’s lives and help Barnsley become a place of possibilities.
* Work with partners, residents, businesses and organisations to bring about positive change.
Please ensure you view the job profile for this role, as you will need to demonstrate in your application form how you meet the required criteria.
We welcome the opportunity to have a chat about the role and are happy to address any questions you may have about flexible working arrangements, including as a result of caring responsibilities.
We’re committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued and everyone truly feels able to be themselves. If you have any support needs during the recruitment process, please let us know.
CV's are not accepted for this role.
At Barnsley Council, we believe in second chances and value diversity. Our recruitment process is inclusive, and we welcome applicants with past convictions. We're committed to fairness and do not discriminate. Join us in building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. #InclusiveHiring #SecondChances
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