Outreach and Engagement Officer

One Permanent and one 12 Month Fixed Term Contract / Secondment Opportunity

Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.

Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn’t stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.

HEALS is a new service forming part of Hackney Education. HEALS is our commitment to doing things differently for children and young people who are facing barriers to their learning.

We know that for some children, the path through school isn’t always straightforward. Whether it’s due to social, emotional, mental health or physical needs which can impact on school attendance, some students need extra support to stay connected to their education and their friends.

HEALS brings together specialist teams – including experts in mental health, teaching, and special educational needs – to work as one “wrap-around” service. Our goal is simple: to make sure your child receives the right support, in the right place, at the right time.

Outreach and Engagement Officer

Acting as a vital bridge between schools, the HEALS Hub, and the community, this role focuses on identifying and dismantling barriers to education through data-driven intervention and trauma-informed support. By managing a diverse caseload and coordinating professional networks, the officer provides emotional containment and practical strategies to stabilize families and promote inclusive classroom practices. From facilitating high-level referrals to the HEALS Inclusion panel to leading the sensitive reintegration of students back into their home schools, this position builds long-term capacity within the educational system to ensure every vulnerable child has a clear path to success.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

Closing date for applications: 09 August 2026 (22.59)

Interview date: 26 and 27 August 2026

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud. In order to achieve this, we are seeking individuals who embody our “PROUD” values: Purpose and Respect, where we foster belonging through active inclusion, kindness, and open dialogue; Ownership, where we champion proactive collaboration and accountability for our shared success; and Unity and Diversity, where we work as one Council to break down silos and champion anti-racist behavior.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk