This is a great opportunity for an experienced Education Welfare Officer. Prerequisites are that the applicant must have a driving licence and it is essential that they have a current Enhanced DBS that is on the Update Service.
REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS
Reports to the Senior Education Welfare Officer.
CONTEXT AND PURPOSE OF JOB
The essential purpose of the position is the promotion of good school attendance, supporting schools in dealing with poor attendance according to the level of support purchased. Managing the flow of work and frequency of visits in accordance with the schools' contract with us and responding to the requirements of individual schools and their needs. Ensure that schools receive a dedicated service focused on their needs such that feedback is positive.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
WORK WITH SCHOOLS
1. Advise the schools on strategies to promote the regular and punctual attendance of all pupils and assist with implementation of those strategies.
2. Advise the school on systems which monitor attendance and punctuality and assist with the maintenance of such systems.
3. Identify groups of pupils who may benefit from early intervention and deliver appropriate sessions of work.
4. Undertake casework with families to challenge and support them.
WORK WITH FAMILIES
1. Assess the circumstances leading to poor school attendance.
2. Guide and challenge parents in a timely manner.
3. Plan action with the child, family, and school, involving specialist agencies if necessary, aimed at re-establishing regular attendance.
4. Support the child and family in reviewing strategies within the home that can re-establish school attendance.
WORK WITH MULTI-AGENCY SAFEGUARDING HUB (MASH)
Provide education advice and support to the MASH, the borough's central point for processing safeguarding concerns.
WORK WITH OTHER SERVICES AND AGENCIES, INCLUDING CHILD PROTECTION WORK ON BEHALF OF SCHOOLS
1. Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings and child protection case conferences when appropriate.
2. Be familiar with child protection procedures and give advice to head teachers and school staff.
3. Liaise with the Specialist Education Welfare Officers for Looked After Children and Children Missing from Education.
4. Work together with Social Workers and staff from health and other agencies to provide a service to families with children experiencing difficulties with their attendance at school.
WRITTEN AND ADMINISTRATIVE WORK
1. Keep accurate and confidential files.
2. Undertake correspondence.
3. Prepare detailed reports for the Magistrates' and Family Courts and for other purposes, by making use of available systems.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
1. With support from the Courts' Officer, provide evidence for legal proceedings under the Education Act 1996 against parents for failing to ensure their children's regular attendance at school.
2. Provide reports so that the Local Authority can apply to the Family Proceedings Court under the Children Act 1989 for Education Supervision Orders in respect of children who are failing to attend school regularly.
SUPERVISION, TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
1. Prepare for and take part in regular supervision sessions with a senior colleague to ensure effective performance management, as incorporated in the Education Welfare Team Plan.
2. Attend Whole Service Meetings for the purposes of monitoring, evaluating, and disseminating good practice.
3. Take part in identified training days.
PROMOTION OF CORPORATE VALUES
1. Ensure standards of customer care are met in accordance with the Council's Statement of Values.
2. Be aware of the Corporate Plan and how it affects the section.
3. Ensure that a high level of confidentiality is maintained in all aspects of work.
FLEXIBILITY
In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is needed, and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. Such duties, however, will fall within the scope of the post, at the appropriate grade.
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
There is an expectation that all staff in the Education Welfare Team will be available for work during school term times. Apart from occasional days, with the agreement of the Education Welfare Team Manager, the Education Welfare Officer will be expected to take Annual Leave during school holiday times.
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