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Education welfare officer

Alternative titles for this job include School welfare officer, school attendance officer

Education welfare officers make sure that children attend school and get the support they need.

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

36 to 38 a week

You could work

evenings attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an education welfare officer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You could do a degree in social and human sciences, social work or education.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could gain some of the skills and knowledge needed to get into this role through an Early years lead practitioner or an Early intervention practitioner higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You may be able to work as an assistant welfare officer with a local authority and do training on the job to qualify. For this you'll usually need:

  • experience working with children or young people
  • GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths
  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent

Volunteering

You can get experience of working with children, families and young people, which could help when you apply for jobs. Examples include volunteering in schools, mentoring and youth work.

You can look for opportunities through organisations like:

Direct Application

You can apply directly to become an education welfare officer if you've got relevant experience and qualifications.

Employers usually look for people who have a background in:

  • social work
  • teaching
  • youth and community work

More Information

Further information

You'll find more details about working in education welfare through the education welfare service of your local council.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • knowledge of psychology
  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • customer service skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of English language
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day tasks you will:

  • work closely with key staff in schools to identify and resolve attendance problems
  • meet parents and pupils at school or home to explain legal responsibilities
  • help families get benefits for school meals, transport or clothing
  • take necessary action through the magistrates' court
  • arrange education for pupils who are excluded
  • write case notes and letters to parents
  • update computerised school records
  • handle sensitive information
  • keep to deadlines and targets

Working environment

You could work at a school or from home.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and training you could become a team leader, senior education welfare officer or a head of service.

You could also train for a career in social services, the probation service, youth work or pastoral care.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Preschool Room Leader Apprentice

  • Wage: £21,000.00 Annually
  • Location: BARNET ROAD, LONDON COLNEY, ST ALBANS

Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,120.00 Annually
  • Location: London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Health and Social Care

  • Provider: HULL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2023
  • Location: Hull

Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care

  • Provider: ST THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Blaydon-On-Tyne
Find courses near you

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