Attendance Support and Family Liaison Officer

Job Reference: )Primary Location : Down-Dundonald-Dundonald High SchoolContract Type : Fixed-Term (May be subject to extension or reduced for any valid reason)Duration of Contract/Contract End Date : 30/06/27Status : Full-TimeContract Options : Flexible working arrangements available during school holidays (E.g. Option 1, 2, 3)Hours per Week : 36 hours per weekWorking Pattern : Monday to Thursday 7.25 Hours per day Friday 7 HoursGrade/Scale : Executive Officer | NJC pt 17- 20 | £31,022 - £32,597 per annum pro rataAdditional Allowance(s) : Not ApplicableAnticipated Interview Date(s) : TBCAdditional Information: N/AJOB DESCRIPTIONJOB TITLE: Attendance Support and Family Liaison Officer - Dundonald HSGRADE: Executive Officer, SCP17-20REPORTS TO: Leader of Pastoral CareJOB PURPOSEThe Attendance Support and Family Liaison Officer will play a central role within the pastoral team, supporting the monitoring, maintenance and improvement of pupil attendance, punctuality, engagement, and overall wellbeing.The post-holder will combine robust attendance tracking and intervention work with a nurture-informed, relational approach, supporting pupils and families to overcome barriers to learning both inside and outside school. The role will contribute to improving attendance outcomes and enabling pupils to achieve their full academic and personal potential.This will involve delivering needs-led, holistic programmes of support, working closely with pupils, parents, school staff, and external agencies to develop a coordinated, wraparound approach.MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES1. Attendance Monitoring, Recording and ComplianceEnsure the accurate recording of pupil attendance on SIMS, including daily verification of AM and PM registers.Monitor registers to identify unexplained absences (e.g. N codes) and ensure they are updated appropriately.Ensure attendance codes are used correctly, in line with school and EA guidance.Maintain accurate and confidential attendance records in line with GDPR requirements.Record all interactions with pupils, parents and staff related to attendance.2. Data Analysis and ReportingAnalyse attendance data on a weekly, monthly and annual basis.Identify trends including persistent absence, lateness, and patterns across groups of pupils.Provide regular reports to Heads of Year and the Pastoral Leader.Use data to inform targeted interventions and evaluate their impact.Monitor statistics including referrals to external agencies (e.g. EWS, counselling services).3. Pupil Support and MentoringDevelop one-to-one mentoring relationships with targeted pupils.Identify pupils with attendance concerns and provide tailored support.Deliver small group interventions to improve engagement, resilience, and mindset.Design and implement needs-led programmes to reduce barriers to learning.Support pupils in setting and reviewing attendance targets.Recognise and celebrate improvements through attendance rewards systems.Maintain engagement with vulnerable pupils where appropriate.4. Family Engagement and SupportBuild positive, trusting relationships with parents/carers.Communicate regularly with families regarding attendance concerns via phone, written communication and digital platforms.Arrange and lead meetings with parents and pupils to identify barriers and agree action plans.Conduct home visits to strengthen home–school links and support improvements in attendance.Develop and facilitate parental support initiatives, including:Parenting support groupsTraining opportunitiesAccess to resources that support engagement with educationEstablish a school-based parent resource point where appropriate.5. Attendance Intervention and Strategy ImplementationWork collaboratively with the pastoral team to implement the school attendance strategy.Develop individual attendance action plans for pupils.Lead or contribute to attendance panels for pupils at risk (e.g. below 85%).Coordinate interventions to address persistent absence and disengagement.Use a range of strategies to overcome barriers to attendance and achievement.Coordinate provision of work for pupils unable to attend due to exceptional circumstances.6. Partnership WorkingLiaise closely with:Heads of YearPastoral LeaderPastoral AssistantForm Tutors and teaching staffClassroom Assistants and support staffSenior Leadership TeamWork in partnership with external agencies including:Education Welfare Service (EWS)Social servicesCounselling services and other support agenciesComplete referrals to appropriate services where required.Develop and maintain links with community organisations to enhance support provision.Promote an integrated, holistic and multi-agency approach to supporting pupils and families.7. Home–School–Community LinksStrengthen communication between home, school and external agencies.Promote active collaboration to support vulnerable pupils.Support the development of a positive culture that values attendance and engagement.Encourage family involvement in school life and pupil progress.8. Pastoral and Relational PracticeContribute to a nurturing, inclusive and relational school environment.Work closely with the pastoral team including the Pastoral Assistant. To support pupils in overcoming social, emotional and behavioural barriers to learning.Embed restorative and relational approaches in all interactions.Promote pupil wellbeing and personal development alongside academic progress.9. School Events and Wider ContributionsAssist with the organisation and administration of school events (e.g. Parent Evenings, Open Days).Attend meetings on Attendance when requiredParticipate in pastoral meetings and contribute to whole-school initiatives.Provide support to wider pastoral and curriculum teams as required.10. Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Policy ComplianceAdhere to all relevant school policies, including:Attendance PolicyPastoral Care PolicyChild Protection and Safeguarding PolicyGDPR policyMaintain strict confidentiality in all matters relating to pupils and families.Ensure that all communication involving school follows the school GDPR policy.Share information appropriately with relevant staff (e.g. Form Teachers, Heads of Year, SLT, Designated Teacher).Ensure all work reflects safeguarding best practice.11. Training and Professional DevelopmentParticipate in relevant in-service and external training.Engage in professional learning to enhance practice in:Attendance improvement strategiesNurture and relational practiceFamily engagementCascade relevant training and best practice to colleagues where appropriate.Support access to training opportunities for parents/carers where relevant.12. General DutiesCarry out additional duties as directed by the school, including:Attendance-related meetingsHome visitsSupporting pupils and families in crisis or needContribute to the ongoing development of attendance systems and pastoral provision.Key OutcomesThe post-holder will contribute to:Improved pupil attendance and punctualityReduced persistent absenceStronger home–school relationshipsIncreased pupil engagement and wellbeingEffective multi-agency support for vulnerable pupilsA positive and inclusive school culture that promotes attendanceOther Duties· Such other duties as may be assigned within the level of the job. It is acknowledged that the contents of this generic job description are not subject to appeal.This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.Posts involving work in educational institutions are subject to the provisions of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. The successful applicant will require an enhanced disclosure check which at present costs £33. Further details regarding the payment of this check will be issued with the contract of employment.Evaluated at Executive Officer, SCP 17-20 (EMcG ) PERSON SPECIFICATIONNOTES TO JOB APPLICANTSYou must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet any desirable criteria.SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIAThe following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.Factor Essential Criteria Method of AssessmentQualifications/ ExperienceHave 2 years' experience of working independently with people aged between 11 to 16 in some form such as a youth work, education, social work capacity or similar.Have an NVQ 3 or BTEC National (or an equivalent or higher level qualification) that enables the candidate to work within an educational environmentHave a minimum of one year’s demonstrable experience in the management and supervision of staff Shortlisting by Application FormOther Have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable you to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner or have access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable you to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective mannerSkills / Abilities Evidence of proficiency in the use of computer packages, to include use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Shortlisting by Application FormSECTION 2 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIAThe following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage.Factor Essential Criteria Method of AssessmentKnowledgeEvidence of knowledge of:General office administrative processes and records.InterviewSkills / AbilitiesProven effective communication skills, planning and organisational skills and an ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.Evidence of a customer focused approach to workDemonstrable people management and team skills to successfully motivate and manage others.Evidence of sound interpersonal and communication skills.InterviewValues Orientation Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect the school’s values/ethos.The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr