Pupil Absence Officer

Trafford Council; United States; Remote; USD 33,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 26 days

Hybrid working

LGPS pension

Professional development

Job summary

Trafford Council is seeking a dedicated professional for the Pupil Absence Team, assisting with Elective Home Education, Alternative Provision and Section 19 duties. You will work with schools, families and partners to provide guidance and plan educational provision for vulnerable children and young people.

You will discuss complex cases with professionals, interpret education guidance, maintain thorough records and travel across Trafford to deliver positive outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and young people in education, children's services or related fields.
• Ability to discuss complex situations with sensitivity and professionalism.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and ability to interpret education legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality advice and guidance on EHE, Alternative Provision and Section 19 duties.
• Undertake statutory duties and support planning of suitable educational provision for vulnerable children and young people.
• Collaborate with schools, families and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes.

Skills

Safeguarding awareness

Communication with professionals

Analytical record keeping

Team collaboration

Job description

We have an excellent opportunity to join Trafford's Pupil Absence Team, supporting the delivery of the local authority's responsibilities in relation to Elective Home Education (EHE), Alternative Provision and children who may require education under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996. Working alongside schools, families and partner agencies, you will provide high-quality advice and guidance, undertake statutory duties and support the planning of suitable educational provision for vulnerable children and young people. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference whilst developing your expertise within a highly regarded and supportive team. For further information about the role, we welcome informal enquiries and encourage prospective candidates to get in touch before applying.

You will have experience of working with children and young people of compulsory school age within education, children's services or a related field, alongside experience of working with families and partner agencies. You will be confident communicating with professionals and discussing complex situations with sensitivity and professionalism. We are looking for someone who understands safeguarding responsibilities, can interpret education legislation and guidance, analyse information, maintain accurate records and work collaboratively with partners. You will be organised, solution-focused and committed to achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.

• An enhanced/basic DBS Check with children/adults barred list will be required.
• You must be willing and able to travel within Trafford.

Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We're a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.

Why Trafford?

We're more than just a local authority; we deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our 'residents, businesses and communities thrive'.

Our Culture

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They're not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day. They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
• Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working
• Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
• Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
• Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and \"Tea and Talk\" sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
• Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let's Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
• Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers' scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.