What skills and experience we're looking for
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Parent and Family Support Adviser to work across the Wessex Learning Trust. Our PFSA’s provide essential advice and guidance to families, parents, and learners to encourage learner wellbeing, attendance, and participation in the school environment and community, enabling overall improvement in learning opportunities, aspirations, and achievements for learners.
The post holder will be required to explore circumstances behind learner absence or difficulties, to help resolve and identify areas that maybe of concern in a timely way which may then lead them to instigate or build on Early Help Assessments. The role will also require the candidate to act as a Lead Practitioner at times, running bespoke interventions and group work under the direction of the Safeguarding and Education Welfare Lead. This role requires travel.
Candidates will need to demonstrate the following:
• Experience of working with young people and/or families who have a range of vulnerabilities.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with learners, staff, parents, and external agencies using tact and discretion to ensure a professional response.
• Ability to work confidentially in a fast-moving environment, often with conflicting priorities.
• A positive approach to the challenges faced and the ability to think and deliver services in a creative, flexible, and non-judgmental way.
• Ability to understand and interpret legislation to meet service requirements.
• Ability to undertake the role of lead professional where appropriate.
• Good literacy, numeracy, organisational and administration/IT skills.
What the school offers its staff
• The full support of a dedicated team of staff who are values-driven and are committed to a healthy working culture.
• The opportunity to work with a variety of different education phases across twenty schools, a teacher-training organisation and a fitness and leisure centre.
• A commitment to offering excellent CPD opportunities.
• Staff benefits, including discounted gym membership and a cycle to work scheme.
• A Local Government Pension Scheme with a generous employer contribution in excess of 20%, subject to pension eligibility criteria.
• A staff assistance programme with specialist provider, CareFirst who provide a 24/7 free phone helpline, or face-to-face counselling for every employee in the Wessex family.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.