Virtual School Engagment Officer

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - County Hall MORPETH

Working Hours:

37

Location:

County Hall MORPETH

Closing Date:

06/08/2026

Job Category:

Region / Division:

UK Region

Directorate:

Job Introduction

Term Time only plus 10 days (B7) fixed term contract 31st March 2029.

Employment Location: Virtual School, County Hall, Morpeth

Northumberland County Council is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and highly motivated Virtual School Engagement Officer to support cared for children and care leavers who have experienced disruption to their education for a variety of reasons. The role will also contribute to the Virtual School Headteacher's extended duties in promoting the educational achievement of children with a social worker, those in kinship care, and previously cared for children.

Northumberland Virtual School is a skilled and experienced multi-disciplinary team, passionate about ensuring disadvantaged children and young people receive an education that meets their individual needs. We work collaboratively with our partners to raise educational standards, promote inclusion and wellbeing, and improve outcomes and life chances for care experienced children and young people, children with a social worker, those in kinship care, and previously cared for children.

The successful candidate will have experience of working with school leaders, colleagues in Children's Social Care, carers and young people, alongside the confidence and ability to build positive and productive relationships. Working strategically with schools and settings to promote the education of cared for children through the development of policies and practices that improve attendance, strengthen relational approaches and promote inclusion. This will include both supporting and constructively challenging practice where approaches are not applied consistently or effectively. The role will include line management duties.

The postholder will have experience of working within education, social care or a related field, with a strong understanding of the barriers that can affect educational engagement and achievement, and a commitment to helping children and young people overcome these barriers to reach their full potential.

Please see the attached job description and person specification. For further information contact Shelley Wilson, Lead Education Support Officer

Why Choose Us

We have some outstanding benefits and perks to offer you, including:

• 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexi scheme (if applicable) - up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part-time employees)

For guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please see the attached guidance notes.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.

Although we advertise on North East Jobs, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications.