Education Welfare Officer

JOB PURPOSE

To fulfil the Education Authority’s (EA) statutory duties to ensure that all children within compulsory school age receive regular, appropriate education and to assist families and schools to resolve education related issues.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Liaising with learning providers to identify pupils and families with attendance and related problems

Work in partnership with principals and teaching staff in the identification of attendance and welfare issues in designated schools. Assist learning providers to develop attendance strategies and practice. To assess, monitor and review the attendance, behaviour and welfare issues of identified/referred children by regular audit. Monitor and evaluate service agreements with learning providers.

To respond appropriately to identified pupil/family need

Following referral undertake an initial assessment and devise an appropriate action plan in accordance with education welfare service procedures which should be regularly monitored and reviewed. To appropriately communicate and engage with children, young people and their families to promote education by regular attendance at school or otherwise. To provide relevant information to children and their families to enable them to make informed choices in accessing education suitable to age, aptitude and ability. To mediate and facilitate communication between pupils, parents and schools. Identify situations where advocacy is needed. Represent the views and interests of young people or others. To collaborate with and make referrals as appropriate to other relevant agencies and/or EA departments. Exit from intervention by making appropriate endings.

To develop and maintain good working practice and procedures

To maintain accurate and complete records in accordance with education welfare service policy and procedures. To take responsibility for the management, evaluation and further development of professional competencies through effective use of supervision, appraisal and management of workload. To promote and maintain good working practice by regular review and so contribute to the evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the education welfare service in line with the EA corporate and resource allocation plans. Identify opportunities to form and support groups. Use group programmes, processes and dynamics to promote individual growth, development and independence, and to foster interpersonal skills. Help groups to achieve planned outcomes for their members and to evaluate the appropriateness of their work. Disengage from groups appropriately. To establish, develop and implement a variety of appropriate intervention strategies for pupils and families to address attendance, behaviour, health and welfare issues in conjunction with external agencies/or EA services. To participate in the design and delivery of positive behaviour management schemes to encourage regular school attendance/behaviour. Promote people’s rights and responsibilities in accordance with the education welfare service code of conduct/practice. Promote equality and diversity of people. Promote people’s rights to the confidentiality of information. Contribute to effective team practice. Contribute to the development of others in the work team. Develop oneself in own work role.

To implement legislation with regard to non-school attendance

To be conversant with all relevant legislation and the implications of any changes to it for families and practitioners. To work in partnership with other relevant/appropriate agencies prior to legal proceedings. To identify appropriate legal action in relation to non-attendance and education process. To prepare and collate information for prosecution cases and provide evidence, reports and other requisite documentation for Magistrate/Youth/ Appeals or Family Proceedings Courts. To attend court hearings and present evidence on behalf of the EA as necessary. To act and direct as supervisor when Education Supervision Orders are granted. Evaluate the effectiveness of legal intervention.

To implement legislation covering the employment of children

To be conversant with the regulations governing the employment of children of compulsory school age. To advise employers, pupils, parents and schools of relevant regulations in order to promote the protection of children and young people from abuse or exploitation.

To work within a multi-disciplinary approach

To represent the EA at formal meetings and contribute to case conferences and multi-disciplinary forums, ensuring the welfare of the child/young person is paramount in line with The Children Order (NI) 1995. To contribute to multi-disciplinary/multi-agency decisions regarding child protection. To promote in conjunction with other relevant support services strategies to prevent the suspension or expulsion of pupils from schools. Support expelled children and young people. Contribute to the monitoring of progress during expulsion or alternative provision. Assist in planning the reintegration process. Support children and young people during reintegration.

Provide services to the Education Authority

To promote awareness of the roles and functions of the education welfare service through delivery of appropriate training and literature to schools and other agencies. To provide specific training and support on agreed identified areas of work.

Contribute to the protection of children and young people from abuse

Identify signs and symptoms of abuse. Respond to a child’s disclosure of abuse. Inform other professionals about suspected abuse. Promote children’s awareness of personal safety and abuse.

Ensure personal safety and security

Identify issue of personal safety and security. Take appropriate action to maintain personal safety and security. Identify the hazards and evaluate the risks in your workplace. Reduce the risks to health and safety in your workplace.

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