Referrals and Engagement Officer in Canterbury

Location: Canterbury, Kent

Salary: £28,000 to £30,000 plus benefits

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm

I'm delighted to be supporting my client, a growing specialist education provider, with the recruitment of a Referrals & Engagement Officer. This is an opportunity to join a values-led organisation that is passionate about removing barriers to learning and helping children and young people achieve their full potential. Supporting learners across mainstream education, SEND and alternative provision, they work closely with families, schools and local authorities to provide tailored educational support that genuinely changes lives. If you're highly organised, enjoy building relationships and thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same, this could be the perfect opportunity.

The Opportunity

Every referral represents a young person who needs support, and every tutor match has the potential to transform a learner's educational journey. As Referrals & Engagement Officer, you'll coordinate every learner's journey from referral through to the start of tuition. Managing a busy pipeline of referrals, you'll prioritise new enquiries, review detailed referral information and ensure agreed response times and deadlines are consistently achieved. This role requires someone who enjoys analysing information and making informed decisions. You'll regularly review EHCPs and supporting documentation, working alongside the SENCO and wider education team to help identify the most appropriate provision and tutor for each learner. You'll also play a key role in supporting and engaging the organisation's network of tutors, building positive relationships, responding to queries, keeping tutors informed and helping to create an outstanding experience from onboarding through to delivery. Working closely with parents, carers, schools, local authorities and colleagues, you'll ensure every learner receives a smooth, well-managed service while maintaining excellent communication and attention to detail throughout.

We're looking for someone who has...

• Excellent organisation and administration skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines.
• Experience within education, SEND, admissions, referrals, pupil support, care coordination or another child-focused environment.
• Confidence reviewing detailed documentation, analysing information and making informed decisions.
• Experience of EHCPs or supporting learners with SEND would be highly advantageous.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to work effectively with parents, tutors, schools, local authorities and colleagues.
• Strong digital skills and confidence using Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and OneDrive, together with the ability to quickly learn systems such as Trello and other education platforms.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach, excellent attention to detail and a genuine passion for supporting children and young people.

Why Apply?

This is far more than an administration role. It's an opportunity to combine coordination, relationship management and problem solving in a role where your work genuinely changes lives. Every referral you manage, every tutor you support and every learner you help onboard contributes to improving educational outcomes for children and young people. You'll be joining a supportive and collaborative team with the opportunity to develop your knowledge of SEND, education and alternative provision while building a rewarding long-term career.

If you're looking for a role where your organisation, communication and people skills can make a real difference every single day, I'd love to hear from you.

This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An Enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.