Family Liaison Officer

Qualifications & Training

• Level 2 Qualifications in English and Mathematics
• Relevant childcare, education, social care or health qualification to at least NVQ Level 3 or equivalent and/or considerable experience
• Up to date Designated Safeguarding Lead Training or willingness to complete this
• Training in a specialist area of parental support e.g. sleep training or a willingness to complete this
• Training as a mental health first aider or a willingness to complete this
• Nationally recognized qualification in education.

Experience

• Experience of handling complex Child Protection.
• Experience of working with families of children with SEND
• Ability to deal with difficult situations.
• Working with families and delivering effective support for families.
• Evidence of experience of direct work with children and parents within a variety of settings and from a range of ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds including those who may not have previously accessed services, ideally those with learning difficulties or special needs
• Able to set up and deliver programs of family support work including group work, community activities and training as appropriate to need.
• Ability to work with children and families in a variety of settings within school, at home or in the community.
• Ability to work flexibly and supportively with parents and carers.
• Ability to work in close partnership with teachers and other professionals as well as external agencies, voluntary groups and service providers.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with children and adults, individually and in groups.
• Be tactful, diplomatic and sensitive with a good sense of humour.
• Ability to take responsibility and work on initiative within set boundaries.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including a sensitive approach to children and adults.
• Ability to keep clear, accurate records.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Be a confident and skilled user of ICT – able to use it with children and parents.
• Be reliable and trustworthy, able to use judgement in receiving and dealing with sensitive information.
• The resilience to deal with challenging situations involving parents under stress and Child Protection issues.
• Involvement in TAF/TAC / CIN / CP meetings.
• Able and willing to speak confidently to a range of audiences.

Knowledge

• Safeguarding and child protection knowledge with up to date current practice through updates and refresher training.
• Training in community work, counselling skills, or similar.
• Training in facilitating parenting groups or experience of successful signposting.
• Thorough knowledge of statutory services and relevant children’s legislation especially child protection and safeguarding.
• An understanding of the complexities and issues the families of children with complex SEND, including those with learning disabilities and neurodivergence
• Knowledge of the education system and school attendance process.

Understanding of child psychology and barriers to learning

• Personal Qualities
• Positive view of children and young people with disabilities
• Flexible approach to supporting children and families.
• Ability to maintain a professional manner in challenging situations.
• Confidence to challenge behaviour that is outside of our policies and procedures.
• Confidence to challenge other professionals.
• Commitment to self-development and willingness to undertake further training.

Special Requirements

• No adverse criminal record and full enhanced DBS clearance
• Visiting families in their homes is an essential requirement of this post.
• Flexibility in work patterns may be required sometimes.
• Able and willing to work flexibly as part of a team
• Full driving licence
• Car owner or access to transport