Education Welfare Officer
Location: Merton
Contract: Initial 3 months (with potential extension)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Rate: £22 per hour (umbrella) (£17 PAYE an hour)
About the Role
Merton Council is seeking an experienced Education Welfare Officer (EWO) to provide temporary cover for staff sickness across up to 10 schools. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on children and families by supporting improved school attendance and safeguarding outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
Act as the allocated EWO for up to 10 schools.
Undertake casework relating to school absence, ensuring legal and policy requirements are met.
Attend school-based meetings to advise and support on attendance matters.
Provide guidance, advice, and challenge to schools to help reduce absence and persistent absenteeism.
Meet with parents and children to address barriers to school attendance and agree practical solutions.
Carry out Children Missing Education (CME) work in line with statutory duties.About You:
Previous experience working as an Education Welfare Officer is essential.
Strong understanding of attendance legislation, safeguarding, and CME processes.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with schools, families, and partner agencies.
Confident in managing a diverse caseload across multiple schools.
Able to start promptly and work flexibly to cover immediate service needs