Student Retention Officer

As our Retention Officer within the Construction Department, you will take an active role in supporting student engagement and creating an environment where students can succeed. Working closely with teaching staff, managers, and support teams, you will help identify challenges, develop solutions, and implement strategies to ensure learners stay on track and achieve their goals. Your work will make a direct impact by fostering a supportive and inclusive learning experience that encourages students to thrive. Reporting directly to the Head of Department, you will collaborate with the management team to boost attendance, engagement, and attainment. You'll play a key part in promoting strategies to improve punctuality and attendance, while working one-to-one and in small groups with students to build confidence and tackle barriers to learning. By monitoring attendance, progress, and engagement, you'll deliver tailored interventions, keeping students motivated and connected to their studies. Effective communication with parents, guardians, and external agencies will also form a central part of your role. You'll also help develop retention strategies for the department and organise workshops and activities to foster participation and a strong sense of belonging. Acting as a trusted point of contact for students at risk of dropping out, you'll provide the support they need to re-engage and achieve their potential. You'll also work with external partners to celebrate and reward positive re-engagement, adding further value to the student experience. Your will include evaluating retention initiatives, presenting insights to managers, and sharing key data to guide targeted support. You'll use your creativity and solution-focused approach to improve student outcomes and enhance the overall learning experience. Through presentations and regular feedback collection, you'll ensure the retention strategy remains dynamic and impactful. By addressing challenges and encouraging engagement, you'll help every student feel supported, connected, and ready to succeed. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students' lives by supporting them to stay engaged, overcome challenges, and achieve their full potential. As a Retention Officer, you will play a key role in shaping an inclusive and supportive learning environment, where students feel valued and motivated to succeed. Your work will have a lasting impact, not only for our learners but also on the overall success of the Construction Department.

We're looking for someone who is passionate about helping students succeed and creating a supportive, inclusive learning environment where they can flourish. In this role, your ability to connect with people and communicate effectively will be key. You'll work closely with students, parents, guardians, and external partners, building strong relationships and using your problem-solving skills to help overcome challenges and find practical solutions. You'll bring a positive and proactive approach, managing multiple priorities with ease - whether it's analysing attendance data, planning targeted interventions, or reporting progress. As a self-starter, you'll enjoy taking the initiative to develop creative strategies that support at-risk students, while also collaborating with teaching staff and managers to make a real impact. Being a team player with excellent interpersonal skills will help you succeed in this role. Adaptability and resilience are crucial, as every day will bring new opportunities to make a difference. A solution-focused mindset, combined with creativity and the ability to inspire and motivate students, will help you to achieve fantastic results. While experience in a similar role or working with young people is a plus, your understanding of the challenges students face and your commitment to helping them overcome these barriers are what truly matter. Most importantly, we're seeking someone with a genuine enthusiasm for supporting students and a determination to create opportunities for their success. If you're resourceful, empathetic, and excited to help learners unlock their potential, this role could be the perfect next step for you. Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity. Required

• Relevant Level 3 qualification, relevant to the job role.
• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 qualification).
• 2 years' experience of working with young people in an education setting
• Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders in an educational setting.
Preferred
• A coaching or mentoring qualification (or a willingness to work towards)
• Coaching / support experience.
  
  We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays)
• Teachers' Pension Scheme
• Local Government Pension Scheme - with a generous 19.2% employer contribution!
• We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
• Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress
• 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
• Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
• Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
• Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities
• Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App
• Discounts schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work
• Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines
• Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our onsite salon
• On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
• Our shared purpose - We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff
The Barnsley College Advantage When you join us, you can expect to benefit from "The Barnsley College Advantage". This is the advantage of:
• Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals
• A range of flexible working opportunities
• Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability
• Short and Long Term development commitments
• Access to experiencing work in a range of areas
• Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation
• Reward and Recognition
• Having your voice heard at every level
• Comprehensive Wellbeing Support