This is an exciting opportunity to join Birmingham's Virtual School for children in care or previous care experience. We are one of the largest Virtual Schools in the country working to support over 2000 children and young people. 

We are a passionate, hardworking and supportive team of 25 staff working together to coordinate educational services and support for children in care and those known to a social worker. We are dedicated to promoting and raising the educational achievement of all children known to a social worker, so they can fulfil their educational potential through positive educational experiences, from early years through to the end of their formal education, employment or training pathway at 18 years. We work in partnership with the child or young person’s school, social worker, family and other key professionals, both within Birmingham and in all the other local authorities, wherever our children live. 

Our commitment is to deliver an outstanding service through strong advocacy for best practice achieved through collaborative engagement, support and professional challenge.

We are seeking to appoint a highly committed and motivational Virtual School Team  Area Education Officer who will work directly with our schools and education settings in and out of Birmingham to secure the best educational outcomes for them through partnership working.. 

A key aspect of the role will be to support our designated teachers in ensuring the best educational journey for all of our young people. You will need to be a strong advocate for our young people and their families. You will undertake corporate parent visits to all the education settings in the North West of the city as well as  outside of Birmingham (predominantly in Dudley, Shropshire and Worcestershire).

You will develop best practice through establishing designated teacher network meetings in your locality area and use data to track the progress of all of the children in care  educated in your schools. You will use this data  prioritise the support from the Virtual School  to enable each child/young person to fully participate in their education. This will include delivering training to a range of professionals.

Qualified Teacher Status, experience of teaching; or a similar qualification and/or experience of working within education settings with vulnerable young people

GCSE English and Maths grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications

Are outlined on the job description and candidates must have experience of education or early years settings and have experience in supporting vulnerable children  and young people. Interviews for this post will take place virtually via video conferencing. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further information

For any informal enquiries please contact Lisa Smith on
07704538755 or lisa.smith@birmingham.gov.uk

Interviews for this post will take place virtually via video conferencing. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further information

We welcome applications from people with caring responsibilities and flexible working options will be considered.

A Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) - Enhanced Children's and Adult’s will be undertaken

“Right to work in the UK documentation will be fully checked for all applicants.  All non UK applicants are required to apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship from Birmingham City Council and must be approved by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) before any employment offer can be confirmed. Unless they are an EEA or Swiss citizen that was already employed by BCC prior to 31 December 2020, then they will need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) instead.”

We offer a supportive work environment, that is friendly, collaborative and committed to promoting equal opportunities and enabling career progression. The candidate will be a field worker ,working predominantly from home; but they must be able to travel across Birmingham, to other areas of the country and be able to work to council office at least one day a week. We offer a competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including: Local Government Pension Scheme, Subsidised travel passes, Childcare vouchers, Cycle to work schemes, A confidential Employee Assistance Programme Access to an employee website offering discounts and cash back on hundreds of retailers, called My Rewards. 

Quality of Life: Birmingham has been voted one of the best places to live in the UK with 25% of our residents below the age of 30 we are a young and vibrant city. Hosting the National Exhibition Centre, Grand Central, the Library of Birmingham, as well as museums and art galleries, hotels, shops, restaurants/cafes and many other places for you to visit and enjoy.

Supporting documents
Job Description