Attendance, Safeguarding and Family Liaison Officer - Civitas Academy

At Civitas, we rightly pride ourselves on the high expectations we place on the academic achievements and behaviour of all children whatever their need, as well as a broad, diverse and engaging creative curriculum which underpins all that we do.

Civitas is an inclusive setting, valuing all children’s achievements, ensuring that each child is given every opportunity to meet their full potential. There is no doubt that Civitas is an exciting place to be – for children, staff, parents and the local community!

The role of the ASLFO will be to have responsibility for three broad but significant areas of the academy, including:
• Attendance
• Day-to-day operational safeguarding and responding as required
• First aid and medical needs

The job description gives further information about the types of requirements for each part of the position, but we are clear that the role will be flexible; no two days will ever be the same at Civitas, and we really need someone who will remain flexible, calm and most importantly, champion our children and their families to give them the support they need at different times.

The role will work alongside the leadership team within the academy and report directly to the Deputy Headteacher and DSL. Candidates should also note that although this is a full-time/term-time post, there will be an expectation that the appointed candidate will work flexibly and be able to manage their own time to ensure that those urgent and important tasks are undertaken to safeguard pupils.

This may mean that additional work will be required outside of the operating hours to facilitate this, and five additional paid days (during school holidays) will be included in the contract to help support this - working 37 hours per week, 40 weeks per annum on fixed term contract until 31 August 2025.

The general duties for this role (as outlined above in the broad areas of responsibility) are to:

1. Attendance:
• Be responsible for the daily oversight of all attendance, absence and lateness
• Monitor and track attendance across the academy, including identified pupils who are of concern
• Support parents with attendance strategies (this may include home visits to support positive attendance)
• Attend review meetings with the Assistant Headteacher for Behaviour and Attitudes to review whole-school attendance and identify strategies to improve this.
• Carry out parent contract meetings where pupils are persistently absent
• Support pupils with medical needs and other issues which prevent full-time attendance by liaising with staff, parents/carers and other professionals to provide pupils with missed schoolwork.
• Attend relevant meetings regarding the wellbeing of specific pupils

2. Day-to-day operational safeguarding and responding as required:
• With and under the direction of the Designated Safeguarding Leader and team of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leaders, co- ordinate systems for the day-to-day triage and response to safeguarding concerns, including ensuring accurate recording via CPOMS
• Ensuring accurate record keeping for safeguarding across the academy and consistency
• Co-ordinate the operational response to safeguarding concerns with and via the team of Safeguarding Leaders
• Support the DSL in preparing reports as required for the trust and Local Authority for safeguarding
• Lead on and co-ordinate the compilation of reports/requests for information to safeguarding concerns (e.g. S17/S47) in conjunction with the safeguarding team and staff as needed
• Safeguarding transition Lead (ensuring all information is received from previous setting for new pupils and passed to new schools as pupils leave) in a timely manner
• Ensure Operation Encompass notifications are logged, shared and acted upon as required
• Maintain and update pupil safeguarding records
• Attend TAC, Strat, ICPC, RCPC, Core Groups meetings as required for pupils and families (or ensure appropriate representation by the team of safeguarding leaders)
• Support the DSL and safeguarding team with whole-staff training
• Conduct home visits as required (linking with attendance)
• To attend regular training and disseminate as required

3. First aid and medical needs:
• To act as the academy’s named person for First Aid and take responsibility for the appropriate provision for First Aid across the academy
• To administer First Aid for pupils and staff, as required
• To oversee the care for pupils who are unwell and liaise with the parents of these pupils
• To oversee and be accountable for the administration of all medication to pupils, as prescribed by the appropriate G.P, and direct and support staff as required to do so
• To ensure appropriate records are kept and maintained of pupils needing medication and of medication administered

What are we looking for:
The successful candidate will assist the Designated Safeguarding Leader and safeguarding team and other pastoral staff in taking a lead on operational safeguarding across the academy (acting as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leader), coordinating referrals, arranging action, managing safeguarding records and reviewing services for children and families.

Candidates should be suitably qualified and/or have experienced of safeguarding issues and procedures, which ideally includes supporting cases and managing caseloads, working together with multi-agencies to support the needs of the individual or groups of young people and be able to meet the criteria detailed on the person specification.

We are looking for that someone who is unflappable and can deal with things coming at them thick and fast on a daily basis and prioritise as needed. An eye for detail is essential in this role with record keeping and documentation, and as such the person appointed needs to be a strong user of IT as this will be required for a significant part of this role.

The role is going to be fast paced, varied, and demanding, and so it is paramount that the person appointed can think on their feet, work on their own within a supportive team, and can ask for help or advice when they need it. We also need someone who can work with and liaise with parents/carers in a personable and supportive way, but challenge as required to ensure that the children’s safety and attendance is prioritised.

The successful candidate will have:
• The motivation to achieve the very best for the children in our care and be relentless in the pursuit of excellence
• Excellent inter-personal skills
• Experience with supporting children and families
• Excellent communication skills and a good sense of humour
• Excellent organisational skills
• High levels of confidentiality

In return we can offer:
• A firm commitment to you and your professional development
• Friendly, supportive, enthusiastic and hardworking pupils, staff and Governors
• Encouragement to develop new ideas and the opportunity to make a real difference
• Coaching and mentoring from the academy’s Senior Leadership Team
• Fantastic trust-wide CPD opportunities
• Vast opportunities for career progression

Join REAch2 for a rewarding career with great benefits!

What next?
Please submit your application via My New Term
https://mynewterm.com/jobs/140379/EDV-2024-CA-82875 

Visit the school website for more information about Civitas Academy - https://civitasacademy.co.uk 

Closing Date: Midday, Friday 13 December 2024
Interview: To be confirmed with shortlisted candidate.

Please be aware that we reserve the right to interview ahead of the closing date if suitable applications are received, and so we strongly advise all candidates to contact the school and visit before making an application.

An enhanced DBS disclosure will be requested for all successful candidates, including a Children's Barred List check if the role meets the criteria for regulated activity.