Education welfare officers (sometimes known as education social workers) work with schools, pupils and families to resolve issues of poor attendance. Their responsibilities include:

• meeting with school staff, pupils and parents to identify problems and possible solutions
• advising parents about their legal responsibility to ensure their children receive an education up to the age of 16, and taking action through the magistrate’s court if necessary
• helping families to receive all the benefits and help they are entitled to,for example financial help with school meals, transport and clothing
• making referrals to other agencies, such as social services, educational psychologists, health professionals or the Connexions service
• making home visits or meeting pupils and parents in school to provide ongoing support
• encouraging parents to make good relationships with the school
• helping arrange alternative education for pupils who are excluded from school
• doing administrative tasks such as writing up case notes, sending letters to parents and preparing court reports.

Education welfare officers are also involved in regulating child employment, advising on child protection issues, and preparing reports on pupils with special educational needs as part of the statementing process.

Hours and Environment

As an education welfare officer you will usually work 9am to 5pm, but may have to attend school parents' evenings, or make home visits in the evening. 

You will be based on an office in local authority premises. A lot of your time will be spent out and about, visiting schools and pupils' homes, so you will need a driving licence and use of a car.

Skills and Interests

To become an education welfare officer you need:

• the ability to listen sensitively and deal with problems sympathetically
• the ability to make good working relationships with pupils, parents, schools and other professionals
• an understanding of legislation relating to education and child care
• the ability to cope calmly with confrontational situations
• the ability to keep accurate records and write complex reports
• the ability to work well as a team member.

Entry

To become an education welfare officer you will need to have experience of working with children or young people and their families.

Because you will be working with children, you will have to have a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

Many employers will expect you to have, or be working towards, a diploma or degree in social work. You can find details about social work qualifications by visiting the Social Work and Care Careers website (there is a link in Further Information below) and by looking at the Social Worker: Field profile. Other relevant qualifications and experience include teaching and youth and community work.

You might be able to get into some positions without a professional qualification if you have a lot of relevant experience and a good standard of education, sometimes to degree level. You may be able to gain experience by voluntary work, for example in youth work, mentoring or through Community Service Volunteers (CSV). See Further Information below for a link to the CSV website, where you can find details of opportunities.

A foundation degree in Working with Young People and Young People's Services is available at some universities. It is suitable if you are working, or intending to work in services for young people, including education welfare. You can study the course full-time, part-time, by distance learning or online, so you may be able to fit it in around your work. If you do not have relevant experience, you will usually need a Level 3 qualification such as 2 A levels or a relevant NVQ at level 3, but entry requirements vary between different providers, so you should check with them.

There is information about the foundation degree on the Connexions website. For more information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward at: www.fdf.ac.uk

Training

When you start work as an education welfare officer you will receive induction training from your employer.

You will have supervision from a senior colleague, and will have the opportunity for ongoing training and professional development. If you do not already have a qualification you will probably be encouraged to complete a relevant qualification such as a degree in social work or NVQ Level 4 in Learning, Development and Support Services whilst working.

Opportunities

In England and Wales, education welfare officers are employed by Education Welfare Services departments of local authorities. In Scotland education social work is the responsibility of social work departments, and in Northern Ireland of education and library boards.

With experience you could have the opportunity to progress to a senior position such as team leader, senior education welfare officer or head of service. As Education Welfare Services departments are usually fairly small you may need to move area to progress to a more senior position.

Other options (some of which may need further training) could be to move into other types of work such as social services, the probation service or youth work.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Salaries can range from around £20,000 to around £28,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Salary levels vary according to the local authority and the geographical region.

Further information

Albion Court
5 Albion Place
Leeds
LS1 6JL
Tel: 0113 245 1716 Tel: 0845 604 6404