Description
We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.
This position has a starting salary of £41,585 per annum based on a full-time (36 hour) working week.
We are excited to be hiring two Attendance Advice and Intervention Officers to join our fantastic Surrey Attendance Service teams in the East and West of the county. The East team are based at Woodhatch Place in Reigate and Dakota in Weybridge, and the West team are based at Victoria Gate in Woking.
We have two positions available:
1. 1 x full-time (36 hours per week), fixed-term contract or secondment opportunity
2. 1 x part-time (28.80 hours per week), fixed-term contract or secondment opportunity. Part-time starting salary: £33,268 per annum.
Rewards and Benefits
3. 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
4. Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
5. An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
6. Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
7. Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
8. A generous local government salary related pension
9. Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
10. 2 paid volunteering days per year
11. Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Role
The Surrey Attendance Service is responsible for carrying out the Local authority's statutory responsibilities as outlined in the DfE "working together to improve schools attendance guidance" alongside other legislation.
We work with colleagues in the Education & Lifelong Learning directorate, specifically alongside: Gypsy, Romany & Traveller support teams, the Courts team, SEND, Social Care, Children Not in school Services and with schools, to promote the importance of school attendance, supporting with strategies to improve the attendance of children and young people in Surrey.
As an Attendance Advice and Intervention Officer, you will play a vital role in ensuring we meet our statutory responsibilities around attendance. Working closely with headteachers and senior school leaders, you will help to identify and support the implementation of strategies that unblock barriers to attendance. You will provide guidance and support to schools around attendance, and facilitate the sharing of best practise between schools of in Surrey.
This will involve regular meetings with key contacts in schools to identify pupils at risk of poor attendance then agree targeted actions for those pupils. You will also support the development and organisation of the attendance improvement networks.
This is a highly varied role with key responsibilities including:
12. Using data to identify key areas of concern in schools and working with staff to implement strategies that improve school attendance
13. Carrying out Targeted Support Meetings across schools in Surrey
14. Conducting 'Interviews Under Caution' and producing statements and evidence packs for court
15. Advising both internal colleagues and external partners on attendance guidance and regulations, and how they can support the families they are working with where attendance is a concern
16. Carrying out 'Children Missing Education' enquiries
17. Planning and facilitating the sharing of best practice network meetings for an allocation of schools
This role is both challenging and deeply rewarding, giving you the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children, young people, and families across Surrey.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
18. Knowledge of relevant legislation and DfE guidance in relation to the statutory requirement for school attendance
19. Experience working with children and families
20. Experience working with education settings, with an understanding of the education landscape
21. Strong verbal and written communication, including the ability to challenge effectively
22. Ability to work in collaboration with a range of internal and external services
Surrey has both urban and rural areas, and in this role you will be required to travel throughout the county. Therefore, candidates are required to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. For an informal discussion please contact Anika Raithatha or Stuart Lee by e-mail.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 8th September with interviews to follow.
An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.
We look forward to receiving your application,