Job Introduction
We have an exciting opportunity to join Portsmouth City Council's Children, Families and Children Directorate, working alongside education, early help, safeguarding and other partners to improve outcomes for children, young people and their families.
The Role
As a Local Authority Education Link Coordinator, you will develop strong relationships with schools across Portsmouth, providing practical advice, guidance, support and constructive challenge to help them respond effectively to vulnerable children and families.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will support education settings to recognise early and emerging needs and identify appropriate next steps before those needs escalate. You will act as a consistent point of contact for allocated schools, helping professionals navigate local support, Early Help and multi-agency services.
You will visit your allocated schools regularly and deliver targeted Link and Learn sessions, as well as facilitating solution-focused discussions when school staff need support identifying the best way forward. You will help schools develop effective Family Support Plans, support the transition of cases from Family Help back to schools and provide guidance around children experiencing significant attendance difficulties.
Safeguarding will be central to the role. You will support schools to strengthen their safeguarding and early help practice, including understanding emerging signs of exploitation, and work alongside the PSCP and MASH Education team to promote consistent, joined-up practice. You will also contribute to safeguarding and Early Help training and use information from the Insight Hub to inform conversations with schools.
The Ideal candidate
We are looking for someone with experience of working with children and families within a relevant area such as education, early help, early years or social care. Experience of working within either a safeguarding or education background is essential.
You will have excellent safeguarding knowledge, including an understanding of Portsmouth's Tiers of Need, together with an understanding of effective Family Support Plans and assessments. Knowledge of local services and experience of working in a multi-agency environment will enable you to confidently advise schools and other professionals.
You will be an excellent communicator who can build positive professional relationships while being confident enough to have honest and challenging conversations where practice needs to improve. You will bring a relational and restorative approach, combining high levels of support with appropriate professional challenge.
You will also need to be organised, able to work autonomously and confident managing competing priorities and sensitive information. Good IT skills are required, including the ability to work with data management systems, basic spreadsheets and relevant case management databases.
Please ensure that you read the full job profile attached below for the details and expectations of this role, paying particular attention the section 'Who is the person' as you will need to refer to this when completing your Personal statement.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.
Additional Information
If you would like any further information regarding this role then please contact Fran Shaul fran.shaul@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for further information or an informal discussion.
We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
Our recruitment process
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal
You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.
Safeguarding
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Please read the relevant DBS privacy notice before submitting any information.
You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
