Home School Link Worker Oxfordshire

Home School Link Worker

Key Responsibilities

• Operating in a family-centred way to support children with a range of needs identified by pastoral/safeguarding staff or other agencies.
• Offering emotional and practical support to children and families, focusing on parenting skills, behaviour management, form filling, referrals, and entitlements.
• Acting as a conduit between stakeholders (school and other agencies) to promote high school attendance and well-being.
• Developing trusting relationships with families and students to alleviate or break social isolation and/or risky behaviours.
• Building knowledge of local resources and community/statutory services (Mental Health Teams, Social Services, Health, CAMHS, Schools, voluntary services), communicating effectively.
• Supporting and upholding WMS values and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
• Working alongside colleagues to assess family needs, participate in reviews/evaluations, and plan creative responses.
• Keeping high-quality records and assisting with report preparation.
• Leading Early Help Assessments, attending/occasionally leading TAF and EHCP annual review meetings.
• Attending conferences, supervision, and training sessions.
• Keeping up-to-date with the Local Offer.
• Working with other professionals (Lead DSL, Out of School Liaison Officer, LCSS, Social care).
• Working with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure information, advice, and guidance on transition options from Year 9.
• Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with students and families by attending events.
• Providing pastoral support to pupils, supporting social and emotional development.
• Attending in-service training, parent meetings, and other CPD sessions.
• Providing training events for families.
• Working flexibly to meet needs, responding to emergencies, and safely transporting children/families.
• Being proactive, motivating, and creating change in complex family situations. Dealing effectively with challenging situations.
• Communicating concerns through appropriate channels and participating in decision-making.
• Dealing effectively and sensitively with difficult interpersonal and crisis situations.
• Working with pupils with special needs (autism, SEMH, challenging behaviour).
• Adhering to Health and Safety at Work Act and Regulations.

Skills and Expertise

• Experience of working with children.
• Pastoral experience/safeguarding experience.
• SEN/SEMH experience.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work with outside agencies & signpost concerns.
• Confident, personable, and determined nature.
• Effective behaviour management skills.
• Background in education/safeguarding/social work.
• De-escalation strategies and techniques.
• Experience of safeguarding protocols.

Job Facilities/Benefits

• Friendly work environment and supportive leadership team.
• Team dedicated to making a difference.
• Employee Assistant Programme.
• Continuous CPD opportunities.
• Opportunities for development and career progression.
• Extensive induction programme and ongoing CPD and training.
• Wellbeing day per term (pro rata).
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme.
• Workplace pension scheme (LGPS).
• Free eye test for DSE users.
• Free flu vaccinations.
• Free tea and coffee.
• Refer a friend bonus (up to 500).
• Positive and friendly working environment.