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

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  40 hours per week
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  Start time: 8:15am
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  Finish times:
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    Monday to Wednesday: 4:45pm
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    Thursday: 5:00pm
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    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

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  Develop positive, supportive relationships between families and the school.
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  Coordinate and implement the school's Attendance Policy.
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  Monitor, analyse and report on pupil attendance, identifying concerns and supporting improvement strategies.
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  Work collaboratively with parents, carers and external agencies to provide coordinated family support and early help interventions.
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  Deliver staff training and professional development sessions relating to attendance, safeguarding and family support.
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  Provide therapeutic and pastoral support to pupils experiencing barriers to learning, working alongside therapy and teaching teams to support successful reintegration into lessons.
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  Produce attendance and family support reports for senior leaders and governors.
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  Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with safeguarding, attendance and statutory requirements.
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  Support safeguarding processes and contribute to the wider pastoral provision.
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  Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role to support the overall objectives of the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential

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  GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent).
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  Relevant Level 3 qualification in working with children and young people, or willingness to achieve this qualification.
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  Experience of working with children, young people and families.
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  Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
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  Strong organisational skills with the ability to maintain accurate records and reports.
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  Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
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  Good understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and confidentiality.

Desirable

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  Level 3 qualification in Working with Children and Young People.
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  Qualification in Psychology, Social Care or a related discipline.
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  Experience working within a Special Educational Needs (SEN) environment.
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  Knowledge of attendance legislation, early help processes and multi-agency working.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will:

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  Be passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.
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  Build positive and trusting relationships with families.
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  Work effectively within a collaborative multidisciplinary team.
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  Demonstrate resilience, empathy and professionalism.
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  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.