Education Welfare Officer

Education Welfare Officer

Location: Merton
Contract: Initial 3 months (with potential extension)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Rate: £22 per hour (umbrella) (£17 PAYE an hour)

About the Role
Merton Council is seeking an experienced Education Welfare Officer (EWO) to provide temporary cover for staff sickness across up to 10 schools. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on children and families by supporting improved school attendance and safeguarding outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the allocated EWO for up to 10 schools.
• Undertake casework relating to school absence, ensuring legal and policy requirements are met.
• Attend school-based meetings to advise and support on attendance matters.
• Provide guidance, advice, and challenge to schools to help reduce absence and persistent absenteeism.
• Meet with parents and children to address barriers to school attendance and agree practical solutions.
• Carry out Children Missing Education (CME) work in line with statutory duties.

About You:

• Previous experience working as an Education Welfare Officer is essential.
• Strong understanding of attendance legislation, safeguarding, and CME processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with schools, families, and partner agencies.
• Confident in managing a diverse caseload across multiple schools.
• Able to start promptly and work flexibly to cover immediate service needs.