Role: Outreach and Family Support Worker

Contract: Fixed Term (1 Year) with the Potential for Extension

Salary: L6 SCP 21-25 - £24,959 (actual salary)

Shift Pattern: Term time only plus 5 days (Part-Time: 31.5 hours per week (approx 8.30am to 3pm, Mondays to Fridays)

Start Date: ASAP

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The Compass Centre is a specialized provision in Luton dedicated to supporting students experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). We are looking for a dedicated Outreach and Family Support Worker to join our team at  The Compass Centre (based in Lealands High School) to provide vital early-intervention support across Tiers 1, 2, and 3.

The Role

This is a dual-impact role designed to bridge the gap between home and school. You will be the primary link for students whose attendance is declining due to emotional and systemic factors. Your mission is to foster emotional wellbeing and facilitate a successful re-engagement with education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Targeted Outreach: Deliver early-intervention support directly to students at the first signs of school avoidance.
• Family Advocacy: Provide practical, emotional, and parenting support to families facing challenges that impact a child’s attendance, behavior, and daily functioning.
• Collaborative Casework: Work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside schools, external agencies, and health professionals to create holistic support plans.
• Re-engagement Support: Develop and implement strategies to help students return to mainstream lessons or modified timetables with confidence.

About You

We are looking for someone who understands that EBSA is caused by a complex number of factors and who can navigate those complexities with compassion and professionalism.

You will need:

• Experience working with young people and families in a supportive or educational capacity.
• A deep understanding of the emotional and systemic factors that lead to school avoidance.
• The ability to build trust quickly with students who may feel alienated from the school environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently in the community and within the school setting.

Why Join The Compass Centre?

In Luton, we recognize that EBSA includes both engagement with learning and education as a whole. By joining our team, you will be at the forefront of a specialized intervention program (Tier 3) while also influencing school-wide support (Tiers 1 & 2).

You will be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team committed to ensuring that every young person in Luton has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the challenges they face.

Ready to help a student find their way back? Apply today to become a vital part of The Compass Centre team.

Visits from prospective applicants are welcome and can be arranged by contacting Mrs Sarah O'Connor (HR Administrator) on 01582 611600 or email – recruitment@lealands.luton.sch.uk

Applicants for this public-facing post will need to demonstrate the ability to converse and provide effective help or advice fluently in spoken English.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure Barring Service.

CVs will not be accepted for any posts based in schools