Family Liaison Officer

Qualifications & Training Desirable / Essential

Level 2 Qualifications in English and Mathematics E

Relevant childcare, education, social care or health qualification to at least NVQ Level 3 or equivalent and/or considerable experience E

Up to date Designated Safeguarding Lead Training or willingness to complete this E

Training in a specialist area of parental support e.g. sleep training or a willingness to complete this E

Training in as a mental health first aider or a willingness to complete this E

Nationally recognized qualification in education D

Experience

Experience of handling complex Child Protection E

Experience of working with families of children with SEND E

Ability to deal with difficult situations E

Working with families and delivering effective support for families E

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 E

Able to set up and deliver programs of family support work including group work, community activities and training as appropriate to need D

Knowledge

Safeguarding and child protection knowledge with up to date current practice through updates and refresher training E

Training in community work, counselling skills, or similar E

Training in facilitating parenting groups or experience of successful signposting E

Thorough knowledge of statutory services and relevant children’s legislation especially child protection and safeguarding E

An understanding of the complexities and issues the families of children with complex SEND, including those with learning disabilities and neurodivergence E

Knowledge of the education system and school attendance process D

Understanding of child psychology and barriers to learning D

Experience

Ability to work with children and families in a variety of settings within school, at home or in the community E

Ability to work flexibly and supportively with parents and carers E

Ability to work in close partnership with teachers and other professionals as well as external agencies, voluntary groups and service providers E

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with children and adults, individually and in groups E

Be tactful, diplomatic and sensitive with a good sense of humour E

Ability to take responsibility and work on initiative within set boundaries E

Excellent organisational and time management skills E

Excellent oral and written communication skills including a sensitive approach to children and adults E

Ability to keep clear, accurate records E

Ability to maintain confidentiality E

Be a confident and skilled user of ICT – able to use it with children and parents E

Be reliable and trustworthy, able to use judgement in receiving and dealing with sensitive information E

The resilience to deal with challenging situations involving parents under stress and Child Protection issues E

Involvement in TAF/TAC / CIN / CP meetings E

Able and willing to speak confidently to a range of audiences D

Personal Qualities

Positive view of children and young people with disabilities E

Flexible approach to supporting children and families E

Ability to maintain a professional manner in challenging situations E

Confidence to challenge behaviour that is outside of our policies and procedures E

Confidence to challenge other professionals E

Commitment to self-development and willingness to undertake further training E

Special Requirements

No adverse criminal record and full enhanced DSB clearance E

Visiting families in their homes is an essential requirement of this post E

Flexibility in work patterns may be required sometimes E

Able and willing to work flexibly as part of a team E

Full driving licence D

Car owner or access to transport D