Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

We are looking for a school attendance officer to join the attendance team on a part time (29 hours over 4 days) and permanent contract basis . This post is within an inclusive and friendly team, and it is offered on a hybrid working pattern.

As a school attendance officer, you will work with parents/families who have been referred to the School Attendance Team to challenge non-attendance and motivate change. You will work extensively with families to support education to improve attendance and engagement, assist families and schools to identify correct provision and support required for child to remain in school and achieve their potential.  The post holder should have current experience of working within an educational setting or direct work with children and/or their families with a keenness for innovation and collaborative working. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and being able to build positive relationships with schools, services, parents, children, and young people is key.

You will be advising schools and families on improving school attendance, through early identification of barriers to attending school and innovative solutions to improving pupil attendance and outcomes for children and young people. This is both a challenging and rewarding role and requires using excellent communication skills to gain trust and form collaborative relationships.

Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to travel throughout the borough.

Please note that this role is 29 hours over 4 days and the advertised salary will be pro-rata.

To be successful in this role, you will have a strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and practice, including the Children Act, Childcare Act, Care Standards Act, and wider family support frameworks.  You will be key in supporting the statutory functions for increasing access to school through excellent school attendance. You will work directly with families where there are identified challenges and barriers to attending school to support and challenge to improve school attendance and outcomes for children. You will work with schools to ensure excellent systems are in place for identifying and improving school attendance for all children, and ensure schools are compliant in completing school registers in line with legislation.  Where appropriate and necessary, taking formal action for non-attendance at school through the means of penalty notices and action through magistrate’s court.

Experience of working in statutory or partnership environments, supporting vulnerable children and families, and contributing to successful outcomes through action planning is essential.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with families, professionals and partner agencies. You'll be confident working within multi-agency teams, providing support, challenge and guidance where required to improve safeguarding practice and outcomes.

You will be highly organised and able to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records, analyse information from a range of sources, and work effectively to tight deadlines. Experience of preparing reports, delivering presentations, and using Microsoft Office and case management systems is important.

You'll hold a degree-level qualification or relevant professional qualification in social care, education, health, or a related field, or be able to demonstrate substantial experience working with children, young people, and families.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.