Family Support Officer

Family Support Officer / Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Contract

Permanent | Full-Time | Term Time Only

Salary

£28,249 - £31,465 per annum, dependent on qualifications and experience.
A welcome bonus may be available for candidates with relevant Special Educational Needs (SEN) experience.

Working Pattern

40 hours per week

Start time: 8:15am

Finish times:

Monday to Wednesday: 4:45pm

Thursday: 5:00pm

Friday: 4:00pm

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Family Support Officer / Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) to join a specialist education setting supporting young people aged 11-16 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
Working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), pastoral team, therapy professionals and teaching staff, you will play a key role in supporting pupils and their families, improving attendance, promoting wellbeing and strengthening relationships between home and school.

Key Responsibilities

Develop positive, supportive relationships between families and the school.

Coordinate and implement the school's Attendance Policy.

Monitor, analyse and report on pupil attendance, identifying concerns and supporting improvement strategies.

Work collaboratively with parents, carers and external agencies to provide coordinated family support and early help interventions.

Deliver staff training and professional development sessions relating to attendance, safeguarding and family support.

Provide therapeutic and pastoral support to pupils experiencing barriers to learning, working alongside therapy and teaching teams to support successful reintegration into lessons.

Produce attendance and family support reports for senior leaders and governors.

Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with safeguarding, attendance and statutory requirements.

Support safeguarding processes and contribute to the wider pastoral provision.

Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role to support the overall objectives of the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential

GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent).

Relevant Level 3 qualification in working with children and young people, or willingness to achieve this qualification.

Experience of working with children, young people and families.

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to maintain accurate records and reports.

Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Good understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and confidentiality.

Desirable

Level 3 qualification in Working with Children and Young People.

Qualification in Psychology, Social Care or a related discipline.

Experience working within a Special Educational Needs (SEN) environment.

Knowledge of attendance legislation, early help processes and multi-agency working.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will:

Be passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.

Build positive and trusting relationships with families.

Work effectively within a collaborative multidisciplinary team.

Demonstrate resilience, empathy and professionalism.

Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Safeguarding

This role is subject to enhanced pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold safeguarding responsibilities at all times
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed