Job Description

ABOUT US

Options 4 Change is a Lambeth-based charity dedicated to supporting children, young people, and families experiencing disadvantage and deprivation. Since 2005, we have worked with local communities and schools to provide practical, educational, and emotional support, helping families access resources, improve outcomes, and build brighter futures. Our work spans advocacy, casework, and community programmes designed to empower and uplift those who need it most.

Job Title:

Education Sustainment Project Officer (Part-time)

Reports to:

Chief Executive Officer

Responsible for:

Education Sustainment Project Volunteer(s)

Hours:

20 hours per week (Tues-Fri)

Salary:

12.70/hr

Contract:

6-month fixed-term contract, subject to review at 3-month intervals. Extension is dependent on both funding availability and satisfactory performance.

Location:

Brixton (Loughborough Community Centre), Lambeth community and schools, outreach and home-working

JOB SUMMARY

The Education Sustainment Project Coordinator will lead the delivery of the Education Sustainment Project, a preventative intervention programme designed to reduce the risk of school exclusion and disengagement. The role will focus on supporting children, young people, and families to overcome barriers to education through resilience-building, advocacy, and access to support networks. The postholder will work directly with pupils, parents, schools, and agencies to promote reintegration, wellbeing, and long-term educational engagement.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Deliver and further develop the Pathways Manual Framework programme with pupils and parents. Develop and facilitate workshops and activities within schools and the community to support effective parenting, confidence building, and problem-solving. Provide emotional and practical support, advice, and advocacy to children, young people, and families to prevent exclusion and encourage positive engagement. Work alongside schools, pupil referral units (PRUs), and agencies to reintegrate excluded pupils back into mainstream education. Represent families and young people to ensure access to statutory and voluntary services where rights and entitlements have not been upheld. Monitor, evaluate, and report on project progress, including contribution to quarterly funder reports and project development. Build strong working relationships with schools, family services professionals, and community partners. Deliver personal development and skills-based activities to pupils, including raising aspirations around the world of work and higher education. Participate in multi-disciplinary team approaches to address exclusion and its wider impacts. Undertake occasional evening and weekend work as required to meet the needs of children, young people, and their families. Provide support to families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF), including identifying needs, delivering advocacy and casework, assisting with NRPF-related challenges, and signposting to relevant services. Make referrals and navigate processes relating to children in need, social services, and other statutory duties. Deliver workshops in the community to address educational and social issues.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

At least 2 years' experience working with children, young people, or families in education, social care, or community-based services. Experience of advocacy and casework in single or multi-agency settings. Strong knowledge of school exclusions, youth violence, gangs, child exploitation, and related safeguarding issues. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Demonstrated ability to write reports evidencing project outcomes and engagement. Knowledge of the Children Act 1989, Every Child Matters 2004, and safeguarding legislation. Proficient in Microsoft Office and maintaining digital records. Ability to work independently (and occasionally flexibly), show initiative, and collaborate effectively in a team. Experience developing and delivering workshops and one-to-one support.

DESIRABLE

Experience working with schools and parents on engagement and reintegration programmes. Knowledge of child development theories and therapeutic approaches to supporting families. Experience planning and delivering preventative interventions. Understanding of the lived experiences and challenges of disadvantaged families in Lambeth.
Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 12.70 per hour

Benefits:

Company events Transport links
Education:

A-Level or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:

Advocacy and casework representation: 1 year (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London SW9 8UA