Lac Engagement and Progression Officer

**Student Services, Safeguarding and Inclusion**

**LAC Engagement and Progression Officer** BC2025-017

**Permanent**

28 hours per week

Professional Services salary scale 6

Spine points 20 - 22

£26,761 - £28,524 per annum pro rata

**£21,408.80 - £22,819.20 actual salary per annum**

**Closing Date Tuesday 11 November**

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people? Do you have the skills to support Looked After Children (LAC) and care-experienced learners in achieving their full potential?

Tyne Coast College is seeking two dedicated LAC Engagement and Progression Officers to join our Student Services team. This vital role focuses on improving engagement, progression, and wellbeing for LAC learners across the college.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Build strong, trusting relationships with LAC learners to support their transition, retention, and academic success.

- Act as a key point of contact, offering tailored guidance and support.

- Monitor attendance and implement early intervention strategies.

- Coordinate and attend Personal Education Plan (PEP) meetings, ensuring accurate documentation and effective implementation.

- Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies including Virtual Schools, Social Care, and Health Services.

- Promote emotional wellbeing and resilience through targeted interventions.

- Maintain accurate records and contribute to reporting and quality assurance processes.

**Essential Skills and Experience**:

- Experience working directly with vulnerable young people, ideally Looked After Children, in an educational or care setting.

- Knowledge of SEND and safeguarding legislation, particularly relating to LAC.

- Ability to contribute to and analyse Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

- Strong communication and advocacy skills, with experience in multi-agency working.

- English and Maths at Level 2 (GCSE Grade C/4 or above) or willingness to work towards.

- Safeguarding Level 3 or DSL training (or willingness to work towards).

**Desirable Qualifications and Skills**:

- Mental Health First Aid or equivalent wellbeing-related certification.

- Qualification in coaching, mentoring, or counselling.

- Experience of working in post-16 education and delivering targeted interventions.

**Why Join Us?**

Tyne Coast College is committed to equality, diversity, and safeguarding. We offer a supportive working environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a real impact in the lives of young people.

Tyne Coast College was created from the merger of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School, with TyneMet College and Queen Alexandra Sixth Form.

We offer a vast range of educational opportunities for those aged 14 to adults - including A’levels, vocational programmes, apprenticeships, Higher Education and specialist maritime training. Our portfolio is multi award winning with national accolades and a global outstanding reputation for maritime provision. The College has a high performing SEND provision which has been recognised nationally and is a regional specialist in teaching and learning for learners with SEN.

Tyne Coast College is the North East’s world leading maritime training provider and was awarded the Queens Anniversary Prize for its expertise in creating high-tech under and above water digital scenarios and was rated Ofsted ‘Good’ in October 2019.

As a strong proactive voice in the north east we are passionate about providing a dynamic and diverse curriculum brimming with the essential academic and vocational skills’ training that enables students to progress on to their chosen careers.

Our motto for a bigger, better, stronger future for the region encapsulates our commitment to the region, the business sector and those living and working in the north east.

Recruiting high-calibre, professional staff with vocational credibility is at the core of our success. We are looking for dynamic and innovative individuals with a passion for achieving excellence through delivering a first class quality service at all times.