Public Administration & LegalLegal, social and cultural professionalsISCO 2635
education welfare officer
Education welfare officers address the social and psychological well-being of students. They counsel students concerning their personal issues that affect their school behaviour, performance and social life. These issues may range from attention deficit problems, to social and personal issues such as poverty or domestic and sexual abuse. Education welfare officers also handle the communication between the students, the parents and the school.
About education welfare officer
As an education welfare officer, you will play a vital role in supporting students' social, emotional, and psychological well-being within educational settings. You will work directly with students experiencing various challenges, from learning difficulties and behavioural issues to more serious matters such as poverty, domestic abuse, or sexual abuse. Your days will involve conducting counselling sessions, meeting with parents and teachers, and developing individualised support plans to help students thrive academically and socially.
Your work bridges the gap between students, families, and schools, ensuring that no child falls through the cracks due to personal circumstances. You will apply social work theory and counselling methods to assess student needs, intervene during crises, and empower young people to overcome obstacles. You will also advocate for social justice and ensure that anti-oppressive practices are embedded in all your work, helping students develop resilience and confidence.
Career prospects in Poland are promising as educational institutions increasingly recognise the importance of dedicated welfare support. You can progress to senior welfare roles, specialise in particular issues such as trauma or mental health, or move into broader social services. This is deeply rewarding work that directly impacts young people's futures.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a education welfare officer.
1
Individual Student Counselling and Support
- Provide counselling to students experiencing personal, social, or psychological issues
- Assess student development and identify learning difficulties or behavioural disorders
- Develop individualised support plans tailored to student needs
- Provide crisis intervention when students face emergencies or acute distress
2
Family and Community Engagement
- Facilitate communication between students, parents, and school staff
- Consult student's support systems including family and community resources
- Involve service users and carers in care planning processes
- Work within communities to identify and mobilise support resources
3
Assessment and Care Planning
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of student needs and risk factors
- Understand adolescent psychological development and apply social pedagogy principles
- Document assessments and maintain confidential records
4
Empowerment and Social Justice Advocacy
- Apply anti-oppressive practices in all interactions with students and families
- Empower social service users to advocate for their own needs and rights
- Promote social justice and challenge discriminatory practices in schools
5
Professional Standards and Practice
- Meet standards of practice in social services and maintain professional ethics
- Apply social work theory and legal requirements in the social sector
- Maintain confidentiality and observe data protection regulations
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (73)
social work theorysocial work theoryThe development and characteristics of social work theories underpinned by social sciences and humanities.counselling methodscounselling methodsCounselling techniques used in different settings and with various groups and individuals, especially concerning methods of supervision and mediation in the counselling process.legal requirements in the social sectorlegal requirements in the social sectorThe prescribed legislative and regulatory requirements in the social sector.consultationconsultationThe theories, methods and concepts related to consultation and communication with clients.social sciencessocial sciencesThe development and characteristics of sociological, anthropological, psychological, political, and social policy theories.social pedagogysocial pedagogyDiscipline combining the theory and practice of both education and care, seen from a holistic perspective.learning difficultieslearning difficultiesThe learning disorders some students face in an academic context, especially Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and concentration deficit disorders.crisis interventioncrisis interventionCoping strategies in crisis cases which allow individuals to overcome their problems or fears and avoid psychological distress and breakdown.behavioural disordersbehavioural disordersThe often emotionally disruptive types of behaviour a child or adult can show, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).adolescent psychological developmentadolescent psychological developmentThe developments needs of children and young persons, their behaviour and the attachment relationships and the possible signs of developmental delay.social justicesocial justiceThe development and principles of human rights and social justice and the way they should be applied on a case by case basis.company policiescompany policiesThe set of rules that govern the activity of a company.apply anti-oppressive practicesapply anti-oppressive practicesIdentify oppression in societies, economies, cultures, and groups, acting as a professional in an non-oppressive way, enabling service users to take action to improve their lives and enabling citizens...provide social counsellingprovide social counsellingAssist and guide social service users to resolve personal, social or psychological problems and difficulties.consult student's support systemconsult student's support systemCommunicate with multiple parties, including teachers and the family of the student, to discuss the student's behaviour or academic performance.involve service users and carers in care planninginvolve service users and carers in care planningEvaluate the needs of individuals in relation to their care, involve families or carers in supporting the development and implementation of support plans. Ensure review and monitoring of these plans.work within communitieswork within communitiesEstablish social projects aimed at community development and active citizen participation.assess the development of youthassess the development of youthEvaluate the different aspects of development needs of children and young people.meet standards of practice in social servicesmeet standards of practice in social servicesPractice social care and social work in a lawful, safe and effective way according to standards.empower social service usersempower social service usersEnable individuals, families, groups and communities to gain more control over their lives and environment, either by themselves or with the help of others.apply quality standards in social servicesapply quality standards in social servicesApply quality standards in social services while upholding social work values and principles.apply case managementapply case managementAssess, plan, facilitate, coordinate, and advocate for options and services on behalf of a person.apply crisis interventionapply crisis interventionRespond methodologically to a disruption or breakdown in the normal or usual function of a person, family, group or community.show consideration for student's situationshow consideration for student's situationTake students' personal backgrounds into consideration when teaching, showing empathy and respect.contribute to protecting individuals from harmcontribute to protecting individuals from harmUse established processes and procedures to challenge and report dangerous, abusive, discriminatory or exploitative behaviour and practice, bringing any such behaviour to the attention of the employer...develop professional identity in social workdevelop professional identity in social workStrive to provide the appropriate services to social work clients while staying within a professional framework, understanding what the work means in relation to other professionals and taking into ac...provide support to social services usersprovide support to social services usersHelp social service users identify and express their expectations and strengths, providing them with information and advice to make informed decisions about their circumstances. Give support to achiev...support the positiveness of youthssupport the positiveness of youthsHelp children and young people to assess their social, emotional and identity needs and to develop a positive self image, enhance their self esteem and improve their self reliance.deliver social services in diverse cultural communitiesdeliver social services in diverse cultural communitiesDeliver services which are mindful of different cultural and language traditions, showing respect and validation for communities and being consistent with policies regarding human rights and equality ...conduct interview in social serviceconduct interview in social serviceInduce clients, colleagues, executives, or public officials to talk fully, freely, and truthfully, so as to explore the interviewee`s experiences, attitudes, and opinions.demonstrate leadership in social service casesdemonstrate leadership in social service casesTake the lead in the practical handling of social work cases and activities.communicate professionally with colleagues in other fieldscommunicate professionally with colleagues in other fieldsCommunicate professionally and cooperate with members of the other professions in the health and social services sector.follow health and safety precautions in social care practicesfollow health and safety precautions in social care practicesEnsure hygienic work practice, respecting the safety of the environment at day care, residential care settings and care at home.plan social service processplan social service processPlan the social service process, defining the objective and considering the methods of implementation, identifying and accessing available resources, such as time, budget, personnel and defining indic...promote social changepromote social changePromote changes in relationships between individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities by taking into consideration and coping with unpredictable changes, at the micro, macro and mezzo ...advocate for social service usersadvocate for social service usersSpeak for and on behalf of service users, using communicative skills and knowledge of relevant fields to assist those less advantaged.prevent social problemsprevent social problemsPrevent social problems from developing, defining and implementing actions that can prevent social problems, striving for the enhancement of the quality of life for all citizens.negotiate with social service usersnegotiate with social service usersDiscuss with your client to establish fair conditions, building on a bond of trust, reminding the client that the work is in their favour and encouraging their cooperation.promote service users' rightspromote service users' rightsSupporting client`s rights to control his or her life, making informed choices about the services they receive, respecting and, where appropriate, promoting the individual views and wishes of both the...assess social service users' situationassess social service users' situationAssess the social situation of service users situation balancing curiosity and respect in the dialogue, considering their families, organisations and communities and the associated risks and identifyi...promote the safeguarding of young peoplepromote the safeguarding of young peopleUnderstand safeguarding and what should be done in cases of actual or potential harm or abuse.relate empatheticallyrelate empatheticallyRecognise, understand and share emotions and insights experienced by another.listen activelylisten activelyGive attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of cus...manage social crisismanage social crisisIdentify, respond and motivate individuals in social crisis situations, in a timely manner, making use of all resources.support children's wellbeingsupport children's wellbeingProvide an environment that supports and values children and helps them to manage their own feelings and relationships with others.manage ethical issues within social servicesmanage ethical issues within social servicesApply social work ethical principles to guide practice and manage complex ethical issues, dilemmas and conflicts in accordance to occupational conduct, the ontology and the code of ethics of the socia...review social service planreview social service planReview social service plans, taking your service users' views and preferences into account. Follow up on the plan, assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.apply decision making within social workapply decision making within social workTake decisions when called for, staying within the limits of granted authority and considering the input from the service user and other caregivers.adhere to organisational guidelinesadhere to organisational guidelinesAdhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.apply holistic approach within social servicesapply holistic approach within social servicesConsider the social service user in any situation, recognising the connections between micro-dimension, meso-dimension, and macro-dimension of social problems, social development and social policies.work in a multicultural environment in health carework in a multicultural environment in health careInteract, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.communicate with youthcommunicate with youthUse verbal and non-verbal communication and communicate through writing, electronic means, or drawing. Adapt your communication to children and young people`s age, needs, characteristics, abilities, p...address problems criticallyaddress problems criticallyIdentify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and a...apply socially just working principlesapply socially just working principlesWork in accordance with management and organisational principles and values focusing on human rights and social justice.promote inclusionpromote inclusionPromote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive envi...maintain records of work with service usersmaintain records of work with service usersMaintain accurate, concise, up-to-date and timely records of the work with service users while complying with legislation and policies related to privacy and security.develop professional networkdevelop professional networkReach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up ...negotiate with social service stakeholdersnegotiate with social service stakeholdersNegotiate with government institutions, other social workers, family and caregivers, employers, landlords, or landladies to obtain the most suitable result for your client.report on social developmentreport on social developmentReport results and conclusions on society's social development in an intelligible way, presenting these orally and in written form to a range of audiences from non-experts to experts.undertake continuous professional development in social workundertake continuous professional development in social workUndertake continuous professional development (CPD) to continuously update and develop knowledge, skills and competences within one`s scope of practice in social work.have computer literacyhave computer literacyUtilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.tolerate stresstolerate stressMaintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances.apply organisational techniquesapply organisational techniquesEmploy a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and s...refer social service usersrefer social service usersMake referrals to other professionals and other organisations, based on the social service users' requirements and needs.organise social work packagesorganise social work packagesCreate a package of social support services according to the service user`s needs and in line with specified standards, regulations and timescales.communicate with social service userscommunicate with social service usersUse verbal, non-verbal, written, and electronic communication. Pay attention to the specific social service users' needs, characteristics, abilities, preferences, age, developmental stage, and culture...consider social impact of actions on service usersconsider social impact of actions on service usersAct according to the political, social and cultural contexts of social service users, considering the impact of certain actions on their social well being.cooperate at inter-professional levelcooperate at inter-professional levelCooperate with people in other sectors in relation to social service work.counsel studentscounsel studentsProvide assistance to students with educational, career-related or personal issues such as course selection, school adjustment en social integration, career exploration and planning, and family proble...accept own accountabilityaccept own accountabilityAccept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.manage stress in the work placemanage stress in the work placeCope with sources of stress and cross-pressure in one's own professional life, such as occupational, managerial, institutional and personal stress, and help others do the same so as to promote the wel...build helping relationship with social service usersbuild helping relationship with social service usersDevelop a collaborative helping relationship, addressing any ruptures or strains in the relationship, fostering bonding and gaining service users` trust and cooperation through empathic listening, car...tackle issues that block academic progresstackle issues that block academic progressAddress the issues that can block a pupil`s school progress, such as social, psychological, emotional or physical difficulties, through counselling and intervention methods.
Optional (18)
education laweducation lawThe area of law and legislation that concerns education policies and the people working in the sector in an (inter)national context, such as teachers, students, and administrators.school psychologyschool psychologyThe study of human behaviour and performance with respect to various school processes, the learning needs of young individuals, and the psychological tests accompanying this field of study.primary school proceduresprimary school proceduresThe inner workings of a primary school, such as the structure of the relevant education support and management, the policies, and the regulations.developmental psychologydevelopmental psychologyThe study of human behaviour, performance, and psychological development from infancy to adolescence.secondary school proceduressecondary school proceduresThe inner workings of a secondary school, such as the structure of the relevant education support and management, the policies, and the regulations.special needs educationspecial needs educationThe teaching methods, equipment and settings used to support students with special needs in achieving succes in school or community.cooperate with education professionalscooperate with education professionalsCommunicate with teachers or other professionals working in education in order to identify needs and areas of improvement in education systems, and to establish a collaborative relationship.assist in the organisation of school eventsassist in the organisation of school eventsProvide assistance in the planning and organisation of school events, such as the school's open house day, a sports game or a talent show.provide information on school servicesprovide information on school servicesPresent information on the educational and support services of a school or university to students and their parents, such as career guidance services or offered courses.liaise with educational support staffliaise with educational support staffCommunicate with education management, such as the school principal and board members, and with the education support team such as the teaching assistant, school counsellor or academic advisor on issu...protect vulnerable social service usersprotect vulnerable social service usersIntervene to provide physical, moral and psychological support to people in dangerous or difficult situations and to remove to a place of safety where appropriate.perform educational testingperform educational testingCarry out psychological and educational tests on the personal interests, personality, cognitive capabilities, or language or mathematic skills of a student.apply person-centred careapply person-centred careTreat individuals as partners in planning, developing and assessing care, to make sure it is appropriate for their needs. Put them and their caregivers at the heart of all decisions.perform playground surveillanceperform playground surveillanceObserve students' recreational activities to ensure student safety and well-being and intervene when necessary.assist children with special needs in education settingsassist children with special needs in education settingsAssist children with special needs, identifying their needs, modifying classroom equipment to accommodate them and helping them participate in school activities.oversee extra-curricular activitiesoversee extra-curricular activitiesSupervise and potentially organise educational or recreational activities for the students outside of mandatory classes.liaise with educational staffliaise with educational staffCommunicate with the school staff such as teachers, teaching assistants, academic advisors, and the principal on issues relating to students' well-being. In the context of a university, liaise with th...psychological counselling methodspsychological counselling methodsThe various psychological counselling, training and coaching methods for persons of all ages, groups and organizations considering medical aspects.
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AI Replacement Risk
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Quick Facts
ISCO GroupLegal, social and cultural professionals
Essential Skills73
Core Skills0