Job Description

Contractual hours: 29.6
Package:
Permanent - 25 days annual leave per annum, rising to 30 days per annum after 5 years' service - Flexible Worker
:
About Us
North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.
The Role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) Education Support Worker to join our wider Participation and Inclusion Service. The Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Achievement Team are responsible for supporting all Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils to thrive in education and achieve to their full potential.
In this role, you will provide specialist outreach, access, transition, retention and advocacy support to identified GRT pupils and their respective parents/carers within the wider Participation and Inclusion Team. Under the line management of the Advisory Teacher for GRT, the post holder will support all GRT children and young people to access, remain and thrive in education leading to improved attendance, attainment, well-being, enjoyment, and academic outcomes in a multi-agency context, (with for example, Elective Home Education, Education Welfare Service, Early Years, School Admissions, children's centres, and family wellbeing services).
Key Responsibilities:

• To provide advice and guidance to parents, pupils and professionals on issues related to access and continuity of education for GRT children, including transition into Early Years provision, Reception, Infant to Junior schools, Year 6 to Year 7, Early College placements and Year 11 into post-16, as well as for those families moving into the area permanently or temporarily.

• To visit authorised and unauthorised sites of GRT communities, promoting the positive uptake of education by their children, supporting school applications and including re-engagement for children from Elective Home Education and working with GRT Families to support the quality of EHE where this is the choice of the family.

• Establish, develop and maintain appropriate links between families, school staff and other professionals to encourage a clear understanding of each other's priorities and ways of working and to move towards a consensual approach to improve educational outcomes.

• Attendance of meetings including in schools and settings to support access and retention in school, deliver advocacy support for parents navigating school admissions processes, deliver advocacy for children with SEND and EHCP processes where relevant and attending meetings and reviews e.g. Case Conferences, school meetings.

• Short-term targeted support for GRT pupils in school who are at risk of placement breakdown

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.
Work Style
At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.
This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office

• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.

• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about inclusion, equality and improving educational outcomes for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children, and who possesses the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria:

• Vocational qualification or experience to level 3 or 4 relevant to the service users or equivalent

• Maths and English GCSE grade 4 to - 9 or Numeracy and Literacy Level 2 on the NQF or equivalent

• Ability to manage own workload without close supervision and good understanding and recognition of professional & personal boundaries

• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding protocols and the threshold levels for service users' groups.

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture, their rights under the Equalities Act and of legislation that specifically enhances access to Education.

• Significant practical experience of public service delivery, giving rise to a variety of technical skills and sound understanding of the services available, work practices and processes relevant to the role

• TA Foundation Degree HLTA

What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits

• Flexible working arrangements

• Local Government Pension

• Opportunities for professional development

• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums

• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year

• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team

• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our .
How to Apply
If you share our and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Rachel Ballin, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Advisory Teacher, at rachel.ballin@n-somerset.gov.uk or 07823 362043.
Important Information
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.
Interview Date: To be advised
Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.
Equal Opportunities
At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.

Skills Required