Participation and Tracking Officer

London Borough of Merton; Greater London; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

London Borough of Merton is recruiting for the My Futures team to help young people access education, employment and training opportunities. The role combines participation tracking with direct engagement with young people, families, schools and training providers, ensuring accurate records and timely IAG to help overcome barriers.

You will work in a supportive team, developing skills in engagement, data management, partnership working and youth support, with opportunities for development and

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage and motivate diverse young people.
• Strong organisational skills and data accuracy.
• Experience with Excel and databases.
• Willing to undertake home visits.
• Knowledge of EET/NEET concepts is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Engage with young people to determine EET status.
• Identify NEET risks and track outcomes.
• Maintain accurate participation records and upload data.
• Provide Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) on post-16 pathways.
• Support delivery of participation events and visits.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Relationship building

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Excel

Data handling

Independent working

Team collaboration

Tools

Excel

Database systems

Data management software

Job description

Advert Text

Join the My Futures Team and Help Shape Young People's Futures

This is an exciting opportunity to join the My Futures team at Merton Council in a newly created role, within a high performing local authority with a strong track record of supporting children and young people. As part of a dynamic and supportive team, you will play a vital role in helping young people access education, employment and training (EET) opportunities that can positively shape their futures.

This varied and rewarding position combines participation tracking with direct engagement with young people, families, schools, colleges and training providers. You will maintain accurate participation records while providing timely Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) to support young people in overcoming barriers and achieving their goals.

Whether you are looking to start your career, change direction or build on existing experience, this role offers an excellent opportunity to develop and apply valuable skills in engagement, data management, partnership working, careers guidance and youth support. You will have the opportunity to build on existing skills, develop new ones, access ongoing development opportunities, and work alongside experienced professionals who are passionate about making a difference.

If you are motivated by helping others succeed, enjoy building relationships, and want a role where you can learn, contribute and have a real impact, we would love to hear from you.

About The Role

Engage with stakeholders: use various communication methods to establish young people’s EET status and identify those needing support.

Identify NEET Risks: through effective data handling and tracking, ensure young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) are identified and reported, to ensure they receive timely support.

Maintain records: keep accurate and up to date records of young people’s participation in EET or NEET and upload data to our database to enhance our tracking processes in accordance with data protection guidelines and DfE reporting cycles.

Support young people facing barriers: provide as required, Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) on post 16 EET pathways to NEET young people (and other stakeholders) and signpost or refer them to relevant services. This includes supporting the delivery of occasional participation events, activities and educational visits throughout the year but primarily during school holiday periods.

Essential Skills And Attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage and motivate young people.
• A natural ability to build trust and positive relationships with young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Empathy, resilience and a genuine commitment to supporting young people to achieve their goals.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload and maintain accurate records.
• Good attention to detail and confidence working with data and information systems.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and able to learn new databases and digital systems.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing positively as part of a team.
• Flexible and proactive approach, with a willingness to engage with young people in community settings and undertake home visits alongside colleagues.
• Willing to go out into the community and undertake home visits (with colleagues).

Desirable

• Level 3 (or above) Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) qualification, or a willingness to work towards one.
• Knowledge of post-16 education, apprenticeships, training and employment pathways.
• Experience of working with young people, particularly those who may face barriers to education, employment or training.