Job description
Directorate: People ServicesHours: hours a week Contract Type: Fixed Term Initially to 31st July 2026 Location: The Council House – Virtual School Do you want the opportunity to work as a Specialist Education Officer in a highly effective “Virtual School”– which is part of the Inclusion Team within Derby City Council but works collaboratively across many different teams and organisations The opportunity as a Specialist Education Officer will allow you to do valuable work, changing the futures of the most vulnerable young people. A role that is varied, challenging and exciting. This is a great professional development opportunity to work within a committed team looking to make a difference and improve the life chances of children. The Opportunity In the role of Specialist Education Officer for Looked After Children, here’s an example of what you’ll be doing to make an impact: The Virtual School in Derby City is looking to appoint a Specialist Education Officer within the team, up to hours per week. We are looking at appointing to this post someone who is available and has experience of working with Looked After Children. You will be required to work flexibly, predominantly in term time, supporting designated teachers in school, social workers and carers to ensure Looked After Children make good educational progress. About You To be successful in this role, you’ll ideally have... • Have a proven track record working with statutory school aged pupils, with knowledge of what makes an impact on progress and attainment. • Be required to attend PEP meetings either face to face or virtually; advocating for the best outcomes for young people. • Have significant recent experience working with pupils in schools who have SEND and have an understanding of SEND legislation. • Understand how trauma impacts on learning and how a relational approach aids recovery. • Have experience in supporting vulnerable young people, their carers and other key adults to remove barriers to learning. • Be someone with great people skills, flexibility, and a can-do attitude. • Be a team player who understands how to work collaboratively to get the best outcomes; as well as self-motivated, creative and able to have courageous conversations. • A driving licence is desirable for the post and related travel expenses will be paid. Who We Are Here at Derby City Council, we’re dedicated to delivering nearly 250 first-class services to citizens and businesses in the heart of the Midlands. People are at the centre of all that we do, and we have an outstanding track record of recruiting and developing talented individuals by providing them with varied and fulfilling career opportunities. Find out more about what it’s like to work for us. What We Offer You too could be part of something brilliant by becoming a colleague at Derby City Council; in addition to making a difference to the lives of people across the city, you’ll also receive: • Flexible work/life balance scheme (depending on your role) • Hybrid working (depending on your role) • Modern office environment (depending on your job location) • Continued professional development opportunities & career conversations • 27 days annual leave (rising to 32 days after 5 years' service), plus bank holidays (depending on contract) • Local Government Pension Scheme (depending on contract) • Team Derby Rewards – retail and leisure discounts • Tusker Car Benefit Scheme • Cycle2Work Scheme & free cycle training • Employee Assistance Programmes & Support • Access to our Equality Employee Networks – LGBTQ+, Disabled Employee Network & Carers and our Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Employee Support Network • Support for colleagues who are carers Next Steps
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