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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 is able to carry out its legal statutory duty in regard to school attendance.

In this role you will manage a caseload of referrals submitted by West Sussex schools where there is concern about a pupil’s level of attendance. You will carry out investigations to establish whether the parent has a defence for failing to ensure their child attends school regularly. You will liaise with the school, family and other professionals involved to establish the reasons for non-attendance with a view to considering whether the local authority will take legal action. You will also be involved in making initial contact with families who have taken their child out of school for home education, as well as being involved with the work carried out by the wider pupil entitlement investigation team.

Your transition into the 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.

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.

Grade: NJC 8

Salary: £23,831 – £26,123 Pro Rata (37 hours Term Time only)

Working pattern: Full – time

Contract type: Permanent

Locations: Worthing Area

Closing date: 15th of May 2023

• DBS check is a requirement of this post

You will need to be able to demonstrate strong communication skills, the ability to prioritise, work independently as well as part of a team, have excellent attention to detail, and be able to use your initiative. You will also need effective organisational skills and diary management and report writing skills.

You’ll need to demonstrate personal resilience and tenacity in certain circumstances, for example engaging with families experiencing a wide range of difficulties.

Key Skills:

Qualifications and/or experience:

• Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A-levels), or equivalent qualifications or experience.
• Experience of successful work with children / families experiencing difficulties in order to achieve positive results.
• Experience of building effective working relationships with a range of clients and partnership agencies.
• Good working knowledge of IT systems / procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, Education Law, special educational needs and the relevant National Guidance, and an understanding of disaffection regarding school attendance - Desirable
• Experience of investigation / court work - Desirable

Key responsibilities:

To ensure that referred cases are dealt with efficiently and effectively, and that a high level of service is provided to all customers and partner agencies to make certain that safeguarding is at the heart of all we do.

To work with schools and multi-agency colleagues in order to share information and facilitate positive outcomes for young people.

To prepare cases for referral to Court (Magistrates and Family Proceedings), give evidence as required and ensure relevant disclosure materials are provided.

To undertake relevant work relating to Education Supervision Orders as a named Supervising Officer.

To administer the Fixed Penalty Notice process on behalf of West Sussex County Council in respect of school attendance offences.

To attend case conferences to discuss with other agencies / persons complex plans of action in relation to specific children and contribute to the decision-making process.

To submit reports on individual children to the appropriate service manager on issues of school attendance.

To support the safeguarding and whereabouts of school age children.

As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.

In addition to working within a great team and a brilliant opportunity you will receive:

• A competitive salary
• A generous pension scheme
• Training and development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring
• Flexible working
• A range of discounts giving our staff access to hundreds of offers with the opportunity to save over £1,000 (Including: Argos, Samsung, Asos, B&Q and many more)
• Free access to employee assistance programmes
• Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
• A range of commuting and business travel discounts and initiatives

For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.

The reference number for this role is CAFHE04433 .

For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Jennifer Watson at [email protected] for issues or queries regarding your application please contact [email protected]

To apply, please follow the links below to upload your CV and cover letter. In your cover letter outline your motivations for applying and explain how you meet the key skills listed in full and the experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills) ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check.