Due to the expansion of the Virtual School, we have an exciting opportunity to be part of our team working to improve educational outcomes for Children in Care and Care Leavers in Dorset, aiming to set up high quality teaching and learning experiences for our children and young people across Early Years, schools and Post-16 Providers.
As the ideal candidate, you demonstrate:
- A child-focused approach: Prioritising the well-being and interests of children, ensuring their needs guide decision-making.
- Effective communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills enabling successful collaboration with diverse individuals and agencies.
- Experience of setting targets and monitoring and reporting on progress against these targets.
- A proven track record of successful work with children and young people in a school/ education and/or social care context as well as experience of supporting children where professionals have been unable to engage them with education.
- An awareness of quality assurance
- A proven track record of monitoring and reporting on progress, attendance and attainment.
- The ability to work in a trauma informed way to support our children and young people to achieve.
- The ability to work flexibly within a team environment.
You will need to be an education or social care worker and an experienced, flexible team member, committed to supporting some of our most vulnerable children and young people.
Learning and development opportunities linked to the strategic priorities of the Virtual School will be made available to our Virtual School Leads.
A willingness to work flexibly to meet the needs of the Virtual School is important. As some children are educated outside of Dorset, there is also some requirement to travel and so a full driving licence is essential. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.
This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders
See our policy on safeguarding children and young people
Further Information
Join our exceptional teams in children’s services, where you’ll be fully supported and appreciated throughout your career - whether you’re newly qualified, or an experienced practitioner. In Dorset, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where every child can thrive, and we want our colleagues to do the same.
At the heart of our program is a commitment to support outcomes that matter – fostering environments where children, young people, and families not only stay together but thrive.
What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to ensuring children in care and care leavers find stable, loving homes. This isn't just a job; it's a chance to make a lasting impact on the future of those who need it most.
We take immense pride in leading the way nationally, pioneering groundbreaking initiatives that have garnered recognition from the government. Join a team of dedicated professionals in Children's Services who, in recent months and years, have set new standards in their commitment to the well-being of children and families.
Here at Dorset Council, you won't just be an employee – you'll be a vital contributor to a legacy of positive change. Be a part of a community that values your skills, appreciates your passion, and recognises the difference you can make. Join us in creating a brighter future for children, young people, and families. Your journey towards meaningful work starts here.
Join us and be part of our exceptional Children's Services team, recently recognised as Good with Outstanding Leadership by Ofsted. This is not just a job; it's an extraordinary opportunity to empower children and help them reach their full potential.
We prioritise your wellbeing by offering access to talking therapies, a network of Mental Health Champions, and workshops facilitated by our dedicated Employee Wellbeing Team.
You’ll join a forward-thinking service, where you’ll be encouraged to think creatively, question how we do things, and devise new, innovative approaches through our ‘Diagonal Slice’ initiative – our Children's Services' employee forum.
Our innovative model of working, Dorset Children Thrive, will support you to be part of a service that:
- Puts children and families at the heart of everything we do
- Focuses on ‘getting it right first time’ by providing early help
- Makes services easily accessible for all
- Develops a skilled, supported and confident workforce
- Provides quality and efficient services that meet the highest standards
- Measures success by how we have made life better for children and young people
Find out more about Children’s Services in Dorset: Jobs in Children's Services - Dorset Council.