At SWRAC we support individuals to thrive through real-life and relevant education programmes. Our intention is to provide everyone with the skills, knowledge and experience to:

– Be independent and resilient
– Grow into education, employment or meaningful activity
– Live healthily and sustainable
– Develop and maintain healthy relationships
– Grow socially and contribute positively to communities and local economies
– Be safe

Location: Dorchester

We are looking for an Engagement Officer/Receptionist to join our friendly team in our Dorchester centre.

Job Description
– Answer telephone calls, determine purpose of calls, and forward calls to appropriate person
– Retrieve messages from voice mail and forward to appropriate person
– Take messages for team members and email to them
– Answer questions about organisation and provide callers with address, directions, etc
– Welcome on-site visitors, determines nature of business, and announces visitors to appropriate team member or assist if appropriate
– Monitor visitor access and ensure signing in and out procedures are adhered to
– Receive, sort and routes mail
– Maintain orders – chase, receive and distribute supplies for the centre
– Petty cash
– Perform other clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, and collating
– Ensure general tidiness of reception areas etc
– First point of support for on call staff
– Engage with referral agencies to ensure they are aware of our offer
– Recruit and sign up learners to our programmes
– Identify, engage & maintain relationships with external referral organisations
– Maintain a high-profile presence at JCPs, Area Youth Teams, Youth Services, Schools, Local Authorities and other related organisations
– Network and relevant events
– Develop marketing materials
– Engage young adults to engage them within education at SWRAC through mentoring, encouragement, activities and guidance
– Liaise with referral organisations and other professionals regarding student engagement or welfare
– Prepare summary reports after each session with students
– Mentor existing students who may require guidance on any behavioural, addiction or other issues
– Maintain a database of external organisations that may provide supportive services to young adults
– Make home visits to talk to parents about issues and to offer advice about strategies to deal with problems where necessary
– Assist students with transition arrangements
– Any other duties required by management team

Experience and Qualifications
– Level 2 Maths and English (or equivalent)
– IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent) -desirable
– Experience of working with challenging young people in an educational establishment
– Working with vulnerable young people with learning disabilities or challenging emotional and behavioural difficulties
– Administration/Reception experience
– Ability to work in partnership with parents/carers and teachers
– Ability to use own initiative and work flexibility
– Ability to manage challenging situations and a demanding working environment
– Understanding of working with young adults who have SEND/behavioural difficulties
– To be committed to promoting independence in line with preparing for adulthood outcomes of Education/Employment & Careers, Friends, Relationships and -Community, Health and Independent Lives
– Prepared to work flexibly to meet work requirements
– Current driving licence

Job Type: Full time
Salary: £26,500 to £27,500 per year, pro rata

For more information, please email: jobs@swrac.ac.uk

Closing date: 25th December 2024

SWRAC are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks. We are committed to securing genuine equality of opportunity in all aspects of our activities as an employer and education provider.