Education Link & Early Help Liaison

Portsmouth City Council; London Borough of Southwark; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Portsmouth City Council is seeking a safeguarding professional to work with schools, early help teams and multi-agency partners to safeguard children and support families.

You will visit schools, advise staff on Family Support Plans, attend meetings, and promote early intervention, ensuring consistent practice and data-informed decisions.

Experience in education or safeguarding and the ability to work in a fast-paced multi-agency environment are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children and families in education, early help, early years or social care.
• Experience working within a safeguarding or education background.
• Experience working in a multi-agency environment.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with allocated schools, giving advice, guidance and challenge on vulnerable children and families.
• Visit allocated schools regularly and deliver targeted Link and Learn sessions.
• Facilitate solution-focused discussions when staff need help deciding next steps.
• Support education settings to recognise early and emerging needs before they escape.
• Act as a consistent point of contact, helping professionals navigate local support and multi‑agency services.
• Help schools develop effective Family Support Plans.
• Support the transition of cases from Family Help back to schools.
• Give guidance on children experiencing significant attendance difficulties.
• Support schools to strengthen safeguarding and Early Help practice, including recognising emerging signs of exploitation.
• Work with the PSCP and MASH Education team to promote consistent, joined-up practice.
• Contribute to safeguarding and Early Help training.
• Use information from the Insight Hub to inform conversations with schools.

Skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Family Support Plans

Local services knowledge

Excellent communication

Relational approach

Organisational skills

Data management skills

Tools

Data management systems

Spreadsheets

Case management databases

Job description

Portsmouth City Council is seeking a safeguarding professional to work with schools, early help teams and multi-agency partners to safeguard children and support families.

You will visit schools, advise staff on Family Support Plans, attend meetings, and promote early intervention, ensuring consistent practice and data-informed decisions.

Experience in education or safeguarding and the ability to work in a fast-paced multi-agency environment are essential.