About Us
The Pupil Entitlement: Investigation Team is dedicated to positive outcomes for young people. The role of the investigating officer is key to ensuring the Local Authority carry out its legal statutory duty regarding school attendance, Children Missing Education (CME) and Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN).
We work together with school and families to ensure children and young people have access to their entitlement to a suitable education.
The Opportunity
Salary: NJC Grade 8 £30,296 to £33,024 per annum, pro rata £26,217 to £28,578
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: 37 hours per week, full time, Term Time Only 39 weeks
Location: Bridge House, Worthing, with hybrid working
Please note: You’ll need to be able to travel independently in both urban and rural areas of the county for all aspects of the work. There is a regular and intrinsic requirement to communicate in English with members of the public.
Closing date: 02 June 2024
Interview date: 12 June 2024
As an Investigating Officer within our Pupil Entitlement service, you will manage cases referred by West Sussex schools where there is concern about a pupil’s level of attendance, carry out CME Investigations and School Attendance Orders and support the legal work of the Fixed Penalty Notice team.
You will liaise with schools, families and other professionals involved to establish the reasons for non-attendance., as well as being involved with the work carried out by the wider Pupil Entitlement Investigation Team.
Your transition into this multi-skilled role will be fully supported by effective induction and ongoing CPD, and you will be part of the wider Pupil Entitlement Team working to give children the best start in life.
Key responsibilities of the role include:
1. Ensuring that referred cases are dealt with efficiently and effectively.
2. Working with schools and multi-agency colleagues to share information and facilitate positive outcomes for young people.
3. Preparing cases for referral to Court (Magistrates and Family Proceedings), giving evidence as required.
4. Undertaking relevant work relating to Education Supervision Orders as a named Supervising Officer.
5. Attending case conferences and contributing to the decision-making process.
6. Supporting the safeguarding and whereabouts of school age children, ensuring safeguarding is at the heart of all we do.
7. Working with and sharing information with other children’s practitioners to promote an individual child’s well-being and making referrals as appropriate.
8. Carrying out home visits as part of the investigation process.
9. Responsibility for handling and processing information where care, accuracy and confidentiality are important.
For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please refer to the Job Description attached.
About You
We are looking for someone who can prioritise their work, work independently and as part of a team, and who has excellent attention to detail. You will need to use your initiative to positively engage with families, children, and a range of professionals in different settings.
Ideally you will have some knowledge and experience of working with families, children and/or schools, with a sound understanding of safeguarding, and enthusiasm to develop an understanding of Education Law and statutory requirements.
If you have a commitment and passion to good outcomes for children, and you are looking to further your career, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits