Family Liaison and Support Officer

Riverside Bridge School Salary: Scale 5.12 Contract: Term-time, initially 1 year fixed term contract. Hours: 8:30am-4:00pm Location: Barking, London, IG11 0HZ Responsible to: Deputy Headteacher About Riverside Bridge School Riverside Bridge School is a specialist school in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, providing education for children and young people aged 4-18 with complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Our pupils have a wide range of needs, including autism, severe and profound learning difficulties, complex communication needs, sensory processing differences, physical and medical needs, and emotional regulation difficulties. Many of our pupils are non-verbal or minimally verbal and use alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), visual systems and Total Communication approaches. We recognise that families caring for children and young people with complex SEND may experience significant challenges navigating education, health and social care services, managing daily routines, accessing community support and meeting their children's individual needs. At Riverside Bridge School, we believe that strong home-school partnerships, early intervention and practical support are essential to improving outcomes for pupils and their families. About the role We are seeking a compassionate, proactive and highly organised Family Liaison and Support Officer to join our team. This is a varied, practical and rewarding position, combining direct family support, home visits, outreach, family engagement and the coordination of agreed interventions. Working under the direction of the Deputy Headteacher, the successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of our Home Support Programme, supporting families through Universal, Targeted and Specialist pathways. The postholder will also contribute to our Bridging Communication Framework and Communication, Participation and Regulation (CPR) Panel, helping ensure that agreed support strategies are implemented consistently between home and school. This is not solely an administrative or office-based role. The successful candidate will work directly with families, undertake home visits, deliver practical interventions and collaborate with professionals to address barriers affecting pupil wellbeing, attendance, communication, participation and independence. We are looking for someone who can establish trusting relationships with families, respond sensitively to complex circumstances and translate professional advice into practical, achievable support. Key responsibilities Family support and engagement Build positive, trusting and professional relationships with parents, carers and families. Provide practical advice, guidance and direct support to families experiencing difficulties or barriers. Work collaboratively with families to identify strengths, priorities, concerns and achievable goals. Support families to develop confidence and independence in meeting their children's needs. Promote consistent approaches to communication, regulation, independence and daily routines between home and school. Support families through transitions, changes in circumstances and periods of increased vulnerability. Encourage meaningful parental involvement in school life and decisions affecting their children. Home visits and outreach Undertake planned home visits in accordance with school procedures, safeguarding requirements and risk assessments. Identify barriers affecting pupil wellbeing, attendance, communication, emotional regulation and engagement. Provide practical guidance to help families implement agreed communication strategies, routines and support approaches. Support parents and carers in developing strategies that promote their children's independence and participation. Maintain accurate records of home visits, agreed actions and outcomes. Identify and escalate safeguarding or welfare concerns promptly. Home Support Programme and interventions Contribute to the day-to-day delivery and coordination of the school's Home Support Programme. Support referrals across Universal, Targeted and Specialist pathways. Deliver agreed family support interventions and contribute to individual Family Support Plans. Arrange and contribute to family support meetings and reviews. Monitor progress against agreed outcomes and follow up outstanding actions. Develop practical resources and guidance for families. Maintain accurate intervention records and provide updates to relevant school staff. Communication, Participation and Regulation (CPR) Panel Support the preparation and coordination of family support referrals to the CPR Panel. Gather relevant information from families, school staff and external professionals. Contribute to panel documentation, records and agreed actions. Implement and monitor family support interventions agreed through the panel. Support the review of interventions and their impact on pupils and families. Escalate concerns requiring additional