Virtual School Officer

**About the role**:
We are currently seeking a Virtual School Officer to support the education of children known to Social Care, including Looked After Children and some care leavers, both within and outside the borough. The post covers children from early years to age 18, and for some care leavers, up to 25.

Main duties include:

- Managing a caseload and monitoring attendance, attainment, and progress.
- Leading Personal Education Plan (PEP) meetings.
- Advising schools, carers, social workers, and other professionals.
- Coordinating tuition, enrichment activities, and inclusion initiatives.
- Advocating for children at key education meetings.
- Maintaining accurate records and using data systems.
- Building effective relationships with partner agencies.
- Contributing to policies, training, and service improvements.

**About You**
- Experience working with vulnerable children in education or social care.
- Knowledge of statutory responsibilities for Looked After Children.
- Strong advocacy, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Accuracy in record-keeping and confidence with data systems.
- A proactive, problem-solving approach and commitment to improving outcomes.

This is a rewarding position offering the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in Hillingdon.

**About us**:
We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

- **Flexible Working Hours**- We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
- **36 Hour Week** - Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
- **Generous Holiday Entitlement** - increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
- **Hillingdon Sports & Leisure** - Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
- **Cycle to Work** - Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
- **Local Government Pension Scheme** - access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
- **Vivup Benefit**s - Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
- **Mental Health Support and Counselling Services** - Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
- **Travel Support** - Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.

**Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement**

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

**Recruitment Information**

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- Enhanced DBS Check
- Qualifications Check
- 5 years of Referencing

**Please note**:Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.