Education Welfare Officer

Typical Salary

£19,554 To £31,371

Typical Hours

36 to 38 a week

evenings attending events or appointments

How To Become a Education Welfare Officer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
working towards this role
applying directly

College / University

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

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

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

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

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

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

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

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 & 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.

Volunteering Opportunities

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

You can find opportunities through Volunteering Matters.

Tips & Information

Further information

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

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks
have a full driving licence