Are you passionate about supporting children and young people to achieve their full potential? We are seeking a dedicated and motivated Virtual School Advocate to join our team in Sheffield.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in improving educational outcomes for children looked after (CLA), previously looked-after children, and those with a social worker, ensuring they receive the support, encouragement, and advocacy they deserve.

About the Role

As a Virtual School Advocate, you will:

Champion the educational needs of children looked after and previously looked after children and children with a social worker.
Work collaboratively with schools, carers, social workers, and other professionals
Monitor progress, attendance, and attainment to ensure positive outcomes
Provide guidance and challenge where necessary to improve educational provision
Support the development and review of Personal Education Plans (PEPs)
Hold a case load of children looked after

About You

We are looking for someone who:

Has experience working with children looked after and vulnerable groups.
Is passionate about equality of opportunity and raising attainment
Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Is organised, proactive, and able to manage a varied workload
Understands the challenges faced by vulnerable learners
Have a up to date knowledge and understanding of current national educational issues and agendas in relation to children looked after, previously looked after and children with a social worker.

Essential qualifications

Level 4 NVQ or an equivalent professional qualification in a relevant vocation
Evidence of recent and relevant professional development
Willingness to undertake additional training programmes as deemed necessary and appropriate

What We Offer

A rewarding role making a real difference in young people’s lives
A supportive and collaborative working environment
Opportunities for professional development

Additional information

You would be required to have an enhanced DBS check.
If you would like further information please contact Nikki Pullinger, Interim virtual School Headteacher: pullinger@sheffield.gov.uk
Shortlisting will take place week beginning 4^th May 2026 with interviews the week beginning 18^th May 2026

If you are committed to helping every child succeed and want to be part of a team that makes a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now to join us and help shape brighter futures.

We are investing in our workforce and are promoting opportunities to our under-represented groups. We value equality, diversity and inclusion and are focused on increasing the diversity of our workforce, particularly the number of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Disabled and LGBTQ+ people, so that our teams reflect the communities in the city we serve. We are also supporting staff with unpaid caring responsibilities to work flexibly.

It is a great time to join us and we welcome your application.

Under the Guaranteed Interview scheme, applicants who are disabled, care leavers, or armed forces veterans will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria and indicate their eligibility on the application form.

Full-time employees work 37 hours for 52 weeks of the year and we offer a generous holiday entitlement. We are open to discussions about a wide range of flexible working opportunities which benefit you and the Council, including reduced hour contracts, working part time or as a job share.

If you are appointed to this role, your starting salary will be at the bottom of the grade. If you provide payslip evidence that your basic pay is greater than the bottom of the grade, we will consider starting you at the point of minimum advantage within the grade.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone and where appropriate to the role the successful applicant will be required to undertake relevant safeguarding checks.

Equality of pay is extremely important to us. All roles at Sheffield City Council are going through an evaluation process which may result in changes to some pay arrangements from 2026. Find out more on our Sheff news page.