Derbyshire County Council
Derbyshire Virtual School is seeking to appoint a Specialist Education Support Officer (UASC) to join our post-16 team on a fixed-term maternity cover basis. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced education professional to make a meaningful difference to the lives of Derbyshire Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children and Young People (UASC), supporting them to access education, overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive outcomes.
Working within the Derbyshire Virtual School, you will lead on educational support and provision for Derbyshire UASC. You will be responsible for ensuring young people are swiftly connected to appropriate educational opportunities and that their progress and achievement remain a key priority. Working closely with our dedicated UASC Social Work Team and a wide range of partner agencies, you will provide strategic oversight and coordination of education support for UASC, promoting educational engagement, inclusion and positive outcomes.
As part of the post-16 team, alongside the Post-16 Assistant Head Teacher and Post 16 Education Support Officers, you will develop strong partnerships with schools, colleges, training providers, carers and professionals both within Derbyshire and across neighbouring local authorities. You will be passionate about improving life chances and committed to advocating for children and young people whose educational journeys may have been disrupted by significant adversity.
We are looking for someone with experience of working with vulnerable children and young people, particularly within education or a related field. You will be an excellent communicator, confident in building positive relationships and able to work creatively and flexibly to identify solutions that meet individual needs. Knowledge of post-16 education pathways, secondary education provision, and an understanding of the unique challenges facing UASC would be advantageous.
This role offers the opportunity to be part of a highly supportive and experienced Virtual School team, working alongside specialist social workers, health professionals and Independent Reviewing Officers to deliver the best possible outcomes for young people.
For more information about the role, please contact Viv Wilks, Post 16 Assistant Head Teacher by emailing vivien.wilks@derbyshire.gov.uk with any questions or to arrange a telephone conversation.
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 23 Sept 2026.
