At a Glance
- Tasks: Make important decisions on transport eligibility for students and manage high-volume casework.
- Company: Oxfordshire County Council, dedicated to supporting education access for children and young people.
- Benefits: Flexible working culture, 30 days holiday, and technology support for agile work.
- Why this job: Play a crucial role in helping families access education and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of transport legislation and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on delivering high-quality outcomes for families.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
Oxfordshire County Council's Home to School Transport Eligibility Team plays a vital role in ensuring that the council fulfils its statutory duty to provide council-funded travel support for children and young people to help them access education. Operating in a high demand environment, the team manages rising caseloads across mainstream, SEND, alternative provision and in-year movements, providing clear eligibility decisions in line with national guidance and local policy. Through detailed assessments, appeal casework and safe route reviews, the team works closely with key services to ensure decision-making remains consistent and aligned with council policy, while also making complex, evidence-based judgments in exceptional cases that fall outside the standard policy framework. Colleagues work together in a supportive, solutions-focused team, committed to delivering high-quality outcomes for families and ensuring the service remains reliable and effective.
About the Role
If successful, you will take a lead role in making complex and often finely balanced decisions on Home to School Transport eligibility, including cases that fall outside of policy where exceptional circumstances or vulnerabilities require a nuanced and evidence-based approach. You will assess and determine transport assistance for mainstream pupils and produce high-quality case statements for Stage 1 and Stage 2 appeals. Working closely with colleagues in School Admissions, Supported Transport, Education Reintegration, PRUs and Social Care, you will provide professional advice rooted in legislation, statutory guidance and risk assessment principles. You will support senior colleagues by presenting clear, robust reasoning in complex or sensitive cases, ensuring decisions are financially sound, legally defensible and aligned with council policy, while maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding and public accountability.
About You
You will bring a strong understanding of Home to School Transport legislation, statutory guidance and local authority policy, and be confident applying detailed rules to individual cases with accuracy and fairness. Highly organised and attentive to detail, you will be comfortable managing high volume casework while maintaining clear, accurate records. You will have experience coordinating eligibility-based or operational processes within a public sector environment and be skilled at producing well-structured reports, case statements and appeal documentation. Working with families and partners across Social Care, Admissions and Supported Transport, you will demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, sound judgement in complex or sensitive situations, and a professional, customer-focused approach. You will be motivated, reliable, and committed to making evidence-based decisions that are both consistent and compliant with policy and procedure.
Rewards and Benefits
Culture of flexible working. Technology to support agile working where role permits. 30 days holiday p.a. plus.
Home-to-School Transport Mainstream Officer in London employer: Oxfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Oxfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Home-to-School Transport Mainstream Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Oxfordshire County Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the role, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Home to School Transport legislation. We want to be ready to discuss how we can apply our knowledge to real-life scenarios, especially those complex cases that require a nuanced approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to throw some tricky interview questions our way. This will help us articulate our thoughts clearly and demonstrate our problem-solving skills under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and show our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Home-to-School Transport Mainstream Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out: Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Home-to-School Transport Mainstream Officer role involves. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on examples that demonstrate your understanding of transport legislation and case management. Use specific instances where you've made complex decisions or worked with families to highlight your relevant skills.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. Remember, we want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let your voice come across in your writing!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on Home to School Transport legislation and statutory guidance before the interview. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the framework within which the council operates.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Think about potential complex cases you might encounter in this role. Prepare examples of how you would approach these situations, focusing on your decision-making process and how you would ensure compliance with policy while considering individual circumstances.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since the role involves managing high volumes of casework, be ready to discuss your organisational strategies. Share specific tools or methods you use to keep track of details and ensure accuracy in your work.
✨Communicate Clearly and Professionally
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and professionally. Since you'll be working closely with families and various stakeholders, demonstrating excellent communication skills during the interview will be crucial. Consider how you can convey complex information in an accessible way.