Student Support and Welfare Officer Ref: 158548 Required from September 2016 Closing Date: noon on Friday 20 th May, 2016 Completed application form to be emailed to: applications@balshaws.org.uk (Please ensure you quote the vacancy applied for in the subject line.)
Student Support and Welfare Officer Full time, term time only (37 hours per week) Grade 6 SCP 21-26 ( 19,939-23,166 pro rata) Required from September 2016 The school is seeking to employ a Student Support and Welfare Officer to work within our Pastoral Hub. The pastoral team is led and managed by the Deputy Headteacher with overall responsibility for student care and guidance who leads a strong team which includes the Assistant Headteacher who is the SNDCO, four Heads of House, the Pastoral Manager and the pastoral Hub Receptionist. This particular role will suit someone with a background in schools, or working within an education setting who has previous experience of working with students with additional needs and challenging students. The closing date is 12 noon on Friday 20 th May, 2016 Please note that the school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure. May 2016 2 Student Support and Welfare Officer Balshaws C.. High School
Student Support and Welfare Officer Schools are experiencing growing numbers of students with ever increasing challenges and changes in their educational and social lives which is having an increased impact on their emotional and mental health needs and this role is to co-ordinate our response to their needs. You will be supported in this by a wider team which includes one Deputy Head Teacher, one Assistant Headteacher, four Heads of House, a Pastoral Manager and the Attendance/Hub Receptionist. You will work out of our pastoral hub which is also the base for our four Heads of House, Pastoral Manager and Receptionist. The role of the Student Support and Welfare Officer is to work with, and under the guidance of, the Pastoral Team in supporting students, in terms of their pastoral welfare. Pastoral staff contribute to all aspects of students wellbeing and achievement, using the key outcomes of the very Child Matters agenda as a basis for their work. Be Healthy Be Safe njoy and Achieve Make a Positive Contribution Achieve conomic Wellbeing This involves a primary focus on ensuring that every child achieves their learning potential by breaking down all barriers to learning. The postholder will become part of a dedicated team whose focus is on the holistic welfare of all students and whose job is to provide a complementary addition to the already outstanding Pastoral structure. Managed by the Deputy Headteacher Pastoral Support, Care and Guidance the Pastoral team consists of one Assistant Headteacher SNDCO, 4 Heads of House, a Pastoral Manager, Learning Support Assistants, Pupil Premium support, and 40 form tutors. You will be line managed primarily by the Deputy Headteacher for Pastoral Support, Care and Guidance. Your main roles will include: 1. Nurture students to overcome barriers to learning to help reach potential, working within the Christian ethos of the school. 2. Working independently and proactively to assess the needs of each individual student referred by the Pastoral team in order to provide mentoring, guidance, counselling support to bring about positive social, mental and emotional development and wellbeing. 3. Provide support for students and parents/carers at times of change and help students to develop strategies to deal with the stress and impact these issues may have on their education. 4. To arrange delivery of group sessions to cater for those students experiencing any of the following:- self harm, anxiety, exam stress, behavioural issues, anger, low self-esteem. 5. To run an after school homework club for disadvantaged students and liaise with the Pupil Premium Co-ordinator to provide support for identified students. 6. To run a lunch time drop in for all students who may have additional needs. 3 Student Support and Welfare Officer Balshaws C.. High School
7. Contribute to the delivery of alternative timetables for those students facing exclusion eg: xperience of Functional Skills ICT, nglish and Maths (is desirable). 8. Provide aspects of Careers ducation Information, Advice and Guidance to selected groups of students as and when necessary. 9. Working with vulnerable/challenging children and young people. 10. Being very flexible in approach and can turn a hand to anything to suit the needs of the students. SCHOOL AND DPARTMNT INFORMATION Balshaw's enjoys the privilege of being one of the most successful schools in the county and the most over-subscribed school in South Ribble. We believe that this is deservedly so. As a school rooted firmly in the Christian ethos, each student in our care matters deeply to us. However, as an authority controlled school we do not operate any entry criteria and the school is available to students of all abilities, interests and aptitudes. Nevertheless, in following the school motto: (non sibi sed aliis) not for self, but for others we aim to create students whose actions reflect the love of Christ as we develop them into full and well-rounded young adults ready to make valuable contributions to our society. Balshaw s has a proud 233 year history of academic excellence for students. The school adds significant value to its students from their starting points in Year 7 to the time when they leave in Year 11. Many will go on to study at Runshaw College which was originally the Sixth Form of Balshaw s and others will take up apprenticeships or employment. However, the results speak for themselves. What is equally important to us is the richness of opportunity available to students at Balshaw s. Set in 21 acres of beautiful land, Balshaw s staff provide extra-curricular opportunities that other schools could only hope for. The huge range of clubs and activities have taken many of our students on to careers in sport and media with a number of well-known alumni. Those who come to teach at Balshaw s will have fantastic opportunity to progress their careers and gain a wealth of experience. That said, Balshaw s also enjoys an incredibly stable workforce and when you hear the phrase Once a Balshavian, always a Balshavian you will realise it to be a truth. The school is only on its 14 th headteacher in its 233 year history! Balshaw s is more than a school it is a family. This post offers you the opportunity to become part of the Balshaw s family where you will be able to make a difference to the lives of the young people who are our future. OFSTD September 2013 This is an outstanding school Students make outstanding progress from their starting points. Students say how safe they feel and are particularly appreciative of the exceptionally personal support which the school gives them Students feel very safe and talk freely about the sense of community the school engenders 4 Student Support and Welfare Officer Balshaws C.. High School
Much of the teaching is outstanding and across the school it is consistently good Students, parents and staff are fulsome in their praise of the school Balshaw's is already outstanding in its practice with pastoral care (acknowledged at the last 3 Ofsted inspections) but we have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of young people requiring additional support. We have re-developed our strong pastoral team to ensure that we continue to support students and provide appropriate help and care at the point of need with access to professionals and wider multi-agency involvement. With increasing numbers of students nationally suffering from low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, behavioural issues, self harm and other mental health issues, schools find themselves struggling to manage with increasing demands upon the outside agencies who previously supported these students. The vision for Balshaw's Pastoral Support Hub is continue to maintain outstanding pastoral care and practice and ultimately for it to become a model of best practice which schools will seek to emulate. Under the strategic direction of the Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for Pastoral Care we aim to raise the attainment of all our students whilst concurrently providing emotional and academic support when needed and the ability to make appropriate referrals to outside agencies when needed. As a school with strong Christian values, we believe that it is our moral obligation to treat all our students in the context of the love of Christ in order that they may grow into fulfilled lives, making valuable contributions to our society. You will be joining an outstanding team of professionals who have the desire to move beyond outstanding. There is a strong sense of teamwork, communication, resilience and empathy. We would welcome your applications should you feel you have the necessary skills and qualities suitable for the job and invite you to become a part of our team. 5 Student Support and Welfare Officer Balshaws C.. High School
BALSHAW S C HIGH SCHOOL JOB DSCRIPTION Job Title: Student Support and Welfare Officer Job Purpose: To provide a high quality professional support service for children in the school. Acting as key focal point for students needing additional care, guidance and support and those going through complex key transition stages in their lives e.g. family break up, loss, bereavement, friendships and illness, by developing and implementing individual plans that challenge inappropriate behaviour, build positive self-image, enhance educational achievement and reduce the likelihood of exclusion. To make a practical contribution to the implementation of an agreed action plan designed to address a student s individual learning needs and/or the development of positive behaviour management systems in the school. Responsible to: Deputy Head Liaison with: Other staff, students, parents/carers and external agencies, as required Duties: To be a member of the Pastoral Team, contributing to regular meetings. To liaise with key school staff members in respect of any necessary onward referrals to outside agencies. To liaise with the designated safeguarding lead as required with respect to risk and safeguarding issues. To provide an easy accessible counselling service for children. To organise sessions flexible to the needs of the school, offering appropriate assessments and on-going counselling support to individuals and small groups. To maintain up to date case notes to be kept in a safe place. To review the counselling provision with the line manager on a termly basis. To work within the school s policies to promote equalities. Be responsible for initiating and sustaining support programmes for targeted groups at risk of underachievement e.g. those at risk of permanent exclusion, LAC, new entrants. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of planned activities and the level of participation of those who take part in the programmes. Take responsibility for agreeing mutual roles, responsibilities and protocols for sharing of information between local agencies, schools, authorities and other learning mentors. Take responsibility for liaising closely with senior staff about safeguarding, child protection and identifying risk harm indicators. Keep relevant staff informed and contribute to joint decision making. Act as Lead Professional and complete CAF when appropriate. To operate within agreed legal, ethical and professional boundaries when working with children and young people and those involved with them. 6 Student Support and Welfare Officer Balshaws C.. High School
nsure high level of professional competences by attending regular training, undertaking further qualifications and self-study. Provide advice and contribute to specialist training programmes for school staff on social and emotional aspects of care, guidance and behaviour management. Develop policies and practices that benefit children and young people. Review, evaluate and challenge policies and practices that are not working. valuate own work and provide comprehensive evidence for Headteachers, Governors and inspectors that demonstrates the impact of mentoring and counselling on pupil progress including Pupil Premium, SND, LAC. To provide direct support for an identified group of students and where appropriate their parents/carers with the aim of reducing barriers to learning. To assist, where appropriate, with the induction, training and supervision of other support staff working with target group students. To provide and develop specialist resources and contribute to the development of specialist support models and alternative education. To establish and co-ordinate links with a variety of agencies working with pupils who are at risk of under achievement, social exclusion or undergoing significant mental health issues. To provide aspects of up to date Careers Information, Advice and Guidance to targeted students To provide an after school homework club for identified students and work in close liaison with the Pupil Premium Co-ordinator to ensure disadvantaged students needs are met. To work closely with the Inclusion Unit Manager to provide cover when required eg: lunchtimes. This role is wide and varied in content and the postholder must appreciate the diversity of the role and the necessary skills, knowledge and experience required for such a post. The duties above are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the post holder may be required by the Headteacher to carry out appropriate duties within the context of the job, skills and grade. Key Tasks: To advocate on behalf of children and young people on issues that are important to them. To ensure children and young people s rights are valued and respected, making sure service users inform and influence decision making that brings about change. General: To participate in the performance and development review process, taking personal responsibility for identification of learning, development and training opportunities in discussion with line manager. To comply with individual responsibilities, in accordance with the role, for health and safety in the workplace. To ensure that all duties and services provided are in accordance with the School s quality Policy. To administer First Aid and appropriate paperwork as required The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 7 Student Support and Welfare Officer Balshaws C.. High School
PRSON SPCIFICATION: Personal Attributes Required Characteristic Source (based on the Job Description) Qualifications Diploma or equivalent in Counselling D A NVQ Level 2 or above or equivalent qualification in a relevant field D A xcellent numeracy and literacy skills A xperience Working within a secondary setting/alternative provision working with children and young people A, L Has five years experience of working in a setting with children and young people. D A, L Has experience of dealing with multiple agencies. D A, I, L Show experience of working with vulnerable and challenging students. A, L Understands the CAF/TAF process and all aspects of safeguarding and child protection. D A,L Of delivering any aspect of up to date Careers Information, D A,L Advice and Guidance Knowledge/skills/abilities xcellent communicator and interpersonal skills I, L Ability to work under pressure L Ability to work as part of a team and independently L To be approachable in a professional capacity when working I, L with children and young people Ability to keep detailed and confidential records L Ability to relate to young people I, L Ability to manage your own time productively working to I, L required timetables and deadlines xcellent communication skills with different audiences eg: students, parents/carers, teaching staff Self-motivated A, I, L I, L Other Commitment to safeguarding students I A good health and attendance record A, L Commitment to equality and diversity A, L Sense of humour A, I, L Knowledge of SIMS D A, L It Is important that this specification is addressed as fully as possible by candidates. The successful candidate will show evidence of some, many or all of these skills depending upon their strengths. Key: = ssential A = Application Form I = Interview D = Desirable L = Letter R = References 8 Student Support and Welfare Officer Balshaws C.. High School
Role Profile Lancashire County Council Post title: Mentoring and Pupil Support 2 Directorate: CYP Location: Schools stablishment or team: Balshaw s C High School Post Number: Grade: Grade 6 Staff responsibility: ssential Car user: Scope of Work appropriate for this post: Working directly with pupils to provide mentoring and/or support to overcome particular obstacles to learning in relation to behaviour or attendance. Accountabilities/Responsibilities appropriate for this post: 1. Liaise with teaching staff to assess and provide particular support to targeted pupils to raise achievement and enable them to overcome barriers to learning 2. Identify the needs and assess those pupils requiring extra support and support the development of individual action plans for targeted pupils 3. Work in a one-to-one relationship with targeted pupils to implement an action plan 4. Work with parents / carers to help address poor performance/attendance/behaviour 5. Undertake home visits to keep parents/carers informed and secure positive family support 6. Monitor the implementation of plans and report on progress achieved, support the re-integration of pupils excluded from school or following an alternative timetable 7. Provide extra support to pupils through knowledge of a range of activities and opportunities available to them 8. Support the development of partnerships with external agencies/organisations to set up resources/initiatives to help address barriers to learning 9. Maintain accurate pupil records and prepare written reports and evaluations. Individuals in this role may also: 1. Supervise other learning mentor staff 2. Develop a range of study support activities, such as homework clubs 3. Support the transition of pupils between phases 4. Supervise pupils excluded from class or those following alternative timetables 5. Contribute to the development of activities to encourage family involvement in the school. Additional supporting information specific to this post. Indicative knowledge, skills and experience Working at national occupational standards (NOS) for learning, development and support services and knowledge / skills equivalent to current national qualifications in learning, development and support services for children, young people and those who care for them at level 3. 9 Student Support and Welfare Officer Balshaws C.. High School
Prepared by: PR Team Date: The above form sets out the area of work in which duties will generally be focused, and gives an example of the type of duties that the postholder could be asked to carry out. PLAS NOT that this is for guidance only. Postholders are expected to be flexible and to operate in different areas of work/carry out different duties as required. qual opportunities We are committed to achieving equal opportunities in the way we deliver services to the community and in our employment arrangements. We expect all employees to understand and promote this policy in their work. Health and safety All employees have a responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others when carrying out their duties and must co-operate with us to apply our general statement of health and safety policy. Safeguarding Commitment We are committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Customer Focus We put our customers needs and expectations at the heart of all that we do. We expect our employees to have a full understanding of those needs and expectations so that we can provide high quality, appropriate services at all times. Skills Pledge We are committed to developing the skills of our workforce. All employees will be supported to work towards a level 2 qualification in literacy and /or numeracy if they do not have one already. 10 Student Support and Welfare Officer Balshaws C.. High School
Grade Profile Level Six Operative / Support (Grade 6) Level Six Purpose To provide support in a relevant professional area or oversee and co-ordinate the provision of a support function or undertake a specialised skilled activity. This may include day-to-day supervision and direction of a small group or team. Scope of Work Role holders will use practical and procedural knowledge and analytical and judgemental skills to interpret information or situations and solve varied problems some of which may be difficult. Role holders may be expected to make decisions as to when and how duties are carried out and respond independently to unanticipated problems or situations. Accountabilities/Responsibilities Role holders may be responsible for: The allocation of work to a small group or team; or Accounting for expenditure from agreed budgets; or Overseeing the administration of support systems and processes; or Undertaking specialised service support activities; or Providing service and situation specific advice and guidance; or Using specialised equipment. Skills, knowledge and experience xtended experience or the ability to demonstrate the competence to undertake the role. Possession of, or the ability to demonstrate the capability to gain, relevant qualifications or equivalent where applicable. Working knowledge of the practices, processes and procedures relevant to the role. Developed skills appropriate to the job discipline. In addition to the skills, knowledge and experience described, you may be required to undertake a lower graded role as appropriate. Performance Measures Completion of work to required standards, deadlines and timescales. 11 Student Support and Welfare Officer Balshaws C.. High School
This is a permanent full time, term time only post for 37 hours per week worked over 5 days This would be an ideal career opportunity for an individual who has a proven experience of working with children and young people, relishes a challenge and is able to evidence the impact they have made on the lives of young people. Please note that the salary range will be Grade 6 SCP 21-26 ( 19,939-23,166 pro rata). APPLICATION All applications should be on the Lancashire County Council application form. Completed forms should also be accompanied by a letter of application which should be no more than two sides of A4. In the letter you should indicate the reasons for your interest in the post, together with a brief outline of how your previous training and/or experience has prepared you for this position. Applications should be marked for the attention of Mr S Haycocks, Headteacher and emailed to applications@balshaws.org.uk by 12 noon on Friday 20 th May, 2016. Please ensure you quote the vacancy applied for in the subject line. Applications sent to other email addresses will not be accepted. Due to limited resources it is not our policy to write to the unsuccessful candidates so please assume your application has been unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date. Thank you for your interest. 12 Student Support and Welfare Officer Balshaws C.. High School