Virtual School Education Liaison Officer HCC616449

Job Details:

Salary Range: £30,859 to £33,951 pro rata, per annum (actual salary £27,191 - £30,314 per annum)
Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Temporary for 1 year, (Term time only, 40 weeks)
Closing Date:  Tuesday 28 May 2024
Interview Date: Interviews will be held in the week beginning 10 June 2024

The Role:

The Virtual School are looking for two positive, enthusiastic people who are able to work in an organised, timely and systematic way to deliver a wide range of tasks in the Virtual School. You will be a hardworking and committed person capable of working effectively as part of a team to support the education of Hampshire’s Looked After Children.

We are seeking two Education Liaison Officers to support our Virtual School cohort including children and young people up to the age of 18. One post will be to work with our statutory school age cohort and the other with our Post 16 young people. Please specify if you have a preference for the Post 16 role on your application.

The successful candidate will be highly accurate and methodical, have excellent attention to detail, be able to use her/his own initiative and have a positive demeanour. They will be someone able to deliver solutions. 

You will need to be resilient to the many challenges which are part of this role but also embrace the opportunities and possibilities it brings. Excellent organisation, and ICT skills will be essential as you support other professionals in securing appropriate education provision for this vulnerable cohort and continue to support their journey through education as appropriate.

You will need to be able to form excellent relationships with schools, colleges, carers, social workers, and other service providers to provide guidance, challenge and support to ensure a cohesive and aspirational approach to supporting the education of children in care. 

The role demands someone who can deal with sometimes distressing and challenging situations with a calm and empathetic manner. Having an understanding of children and young people who have experienced trauma as well as understanding the demands on schools is extremely advantageous.

The staff of the Virtual School monitor the educational progress and achievement of children in the care of Hampshire and have a focus of raising the educational achievement of these children and young people, both as individuals and as a cohort. 

The Virtual School also holds the responsibility for offering advice and guidance in respect of educational matters for previously looked after children, children with a social worker and those in kinship care.

This is a highly rewarding role where you’ll have the opportunity and autonomy to really make a difference. If you are passionate to help us in making a positive difference to vulnerable children’s lives every day, then we would like to hear from you. 

Why Hampshire?

Hampshire – a great place to live and work. We believe in rewarding our staff for their commitment to delivering essential public services with an extensive range of benefits.

We want to help you strive to be the best you can be, and to enjoy serving Hampshire with purpose and pride.

With a work-life balance, Travel discounts and more - Find out what we can offer you as a valued Hampshire County Council employee.

Additional Information:

Virtual School Education Liaison Officer Job Description and Person Specification

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, and as per safer recruitment requirements, please note we will take up references prior to interview. 

This post is subject to the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations 2009 and successful candidates will be required to complete a Disqualification form. Further information about this process will be provided to successful candidates. 

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

For an informal conversation about the role please contact Matthew Hunt, Deputy Head of Service Matthew.Hunt4@hants.gov.uk.