Welfare Officer

Brighton & Hove City Council; Brighton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational authority in Brighton is seeking a dedicated Family Welfare Officer to enhance safeguarding, improve attendance, and provide essential pastoral care for pupils and their families. The role necessitates collaboration with school staff and external agencies, fostering a supportive environment for students. Candidates need strong communication skills and a relevant qualification, alongside a proactive approach to assist families effectively. This is a 1-year fixed term position with comprehensive responsibilities focused on student welfare.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Knowledge of attendance legislation and best practice.
• Ability to work collaboratively with families and external agencies.

Responsibilities

• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Monitor and track attendance rigorously across the school.
• Build strong relationships with children and families.

Skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Relationship-building skills

Organizational skills

Proactive attitude

Education

Relevant qualification in social work or education

Job description

Brackenbury Primary School, Locks Hill, Portslade, Brighton

Job Summary

Job reference

• Positions available 1

Working hours

• Working hours 10 hours
• Closing date 6 February 2026

Job category

• Job category Support Staff - Education

Organisation

• Organisation Brighton & Hove City Council

Directorate

• Directorate BHCC: External

Job introduction

Are you the Welfare Officer we are looking for?

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Family Welfare Officer to join our team. This role is vital in promoting safeguarding, improving attendance and providing pastoral care for pupils and families. You will work closely with school staff and external agencies to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Brackenbury Primary School is a small, one form entry school.

Paid weeks per year: 47 (inclusive of holiday entitlement)

Fixed term:1 Year – March 2027

About the role

Key Responsibilities

Safeguarding

• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Keep safeguarding paperwork up to date in a timely manner.
• Attend TAFs, Early Help, and Core Group meetings as required.
• Attend internal and external safeguarding meetings.
• Collect evidence for training and identify staff training needs.
• Coordinate and apply the school’s attendance policy effectively.
• Monitor and track attendance rigorously across the school.
• Identify patterns, trends, and vulnerable groups.
• Work with families to improve attendance and punctuality.
• Understand and apply legislation relating to school attendance.
• Follow established attendance systems and procedures.

Pastoral Care

• Build strong relationships with children and families.
• Make referrals to support services such as food banks, EMHP, Pelican Parcels, Salvation Army.
• Develop strategies and solutions to support families in need.
• Arrange visits from safeguarding and welfare partners (e.g., school nurse, police, NSPCC).
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Knowledge of attendance legislation and best practice.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with families and external agencies.
• Organised, proactive, and able to manage sensitive information confidentially.
• Use of a car is essential for home visits and meetings.

Desirable Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in social work, family support, or education.
• Previous experience in a school or welfare setting

We welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age.

Visits to the school welcomed. Please ring the school office 01273418850 to book a place.

Closing date:6 February 2026

Interview date:: w/c 16 February 2026

How to apply: Completed application forms accepted by email direct to the school office: [e-mail]
Please note – we do not accept CVs. Please apply for the job using the person specification.

Please note that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check.

Company information

Brighton & Hove Schools - Taking Action for Equality

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Brighton & Hove Schools do not accept CV or resume.