Section 19 Officer

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Why you should work for us | West Northamptonshire Council,

As a Section 19 Officer, you'll work at the point where education, families and wider services come together. You'll play a key role in ensuring children and young people who cannot access school receive the support and educational provision they're entitled to, while helping schools, families and professionals navigate complex situations and remove barriers to learning.

This is a role that combines relationship building, professional curiosity and problem-solving. It requires someone who can see the bigger picture, bring people together around a shared plan and keep the needs of the child at the centre of every conversation.

The circumstances that lead a child away from education are rarely straightforward. Success often comes from understanding what sits behind the challenge, building trust with those involved and finding practical ways to move things forward. Through this work, you'll help children stay connected to education, access the right support and achieve positive outcomes for the future.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate. It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Children and Adults Barred List check. West Northamptonshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment,

You'll manage a varied caseload of children and young people who are unable to access education, working alongside families, schools and professionals to understand the barriers they are experiencing and identify the most appropriate support.

The role involves coordinating plans, reviewing provision and bringing partners together to find solutions that meet a child's individual circumstances. You'll work closely with education providers, health colleagues, social care and wider support services, ensuring that children's needs remain at the centre of decision-making while statutory responsibilities are met.

You'll lead conversations that encourage collaboration, offer advice and guidance, provide constructive challenge where needed, and help build shared ownership of plans. Alongside this, you'll monitor progress, maintain accurate records and ensure support remains responsive as circumstances change.

At its heart, this is a role about connecting people, understanding complexity and helping children and young people remain engaged with learning when they need support the most.

• Flexible, hybrid and family-friendly working arrangements that help you balance work and home life
• Generous annual leave entitlement, with the option to buy additional leave
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and family leave provisions
• Access to our car lease scheme, making it easier to find a vehicle that suits your lifestyle
• A competitive Local Government Pension Scheme to help you plan for the future
• A wide range of employee benefits, discounts and savings on everyday spending
• Learning, development and career progression opportunities to support your growth
• Health and wellbeing support, including resources to help you look after your physical and mental wellbeing

We're looking for someone who understands the difference a good education can make to a child's life and is passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning.

You may have experience working in education, attendance, inclusion, SEND, family support, youth work, social care or another role where you've supported children and families through challenges. What's important is your ability to build positive relationships, understand different perspectives and work with others to find practical solutions.

You'll be comfortable talking to a wide range of people, from parents and carers to school leaders and professionals from other services. You'll know how to listen, ask the right questions and build trust, while also having the confidence to challenge when something isn't working for a child.

This role would suit someone who enjoys bringing people together, piecing together information and helping to move situations forward. You'll be organised, able to manage a varied workload and motivated by seeing the difference your work makes to children, young people and their families.