Alternative Education Family Liaison Officer (2025/ME088)

Job Introduction

East Durham College is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Family Liaison Officer to join our Alternative Education team. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people and their families by supporting wellbeing, improving attendance, and removing barriers to education.

You will work closely with students, families, staff, and external agencies to ensure learners feel safe, supported, and able to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

Build strong relationships with families to improve communication and engagement

• Support parents/carers to better understand and meet their child’s needs
• Deliver targeted interventions, mentoring, and family learning activities
• Promote attendance and address barriers, including punctuality and disengagement
• Work collaboratively with schools, agencies, and professionals to support vulnerable learners
• Contribute to safeguarding processes, early help assessments, and child protection plans
• Maintain accurate records of interventions and outcomes

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in working with young people and families, particularly in challenging or vulnerable circumstances
• Skilled in multi-agency collaboration and delivering targeted support interventions
• An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal and organisational skills
• Knowledgeable in safeguarding, early help processes, and data protection
• Passionate about helping young people achieve positive outcomes

Essential requirements include:

• Relevant Level 2+ support qualification and GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English
• Experience working with young people, parents, and professionals
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

What we offer:

• 35 days annual leave + Bank Holidays. 
• LGPS Pension Scheme with up to 17.5% employer contributions. 
• Access to a Cash Healthcare Plan. 
• Heavily discounted Gym Membership.
• Enhanced Maternity/ Paternity and Adoption leave. 
• 3 days paid emergency leave per year.
• Various Paid and unpaid leave for other needs.
• Funded Continuous Professional Development (CPD) where appropriate.
• Onsite restaurant, Canteen and Hair and Beauty Salon.
• Free onsite parking.
• On site Nursery facilities (up to 5 yoa).
• Cycle to work scheme and much more.
• Access to free Beamish Tickets. 

Join Our Team at East Durham College

Now is the perfect time to become part of our fantastic team at East Durham College! With recent investments enhancing our already outstanding teaching facilities and further development on the horizon, the College offers an excellent environment for both staff and students. We take pride in providing access to education for all, offering clear pathways through various stages of learning with a strong focus on employment opportunities across the North East region. We’re also thrilled to have earned our fifth consecutive ‘GOOD’ rating from Ofsted.

East Durham College operates across three campuses, delivering a wide range of courses from general further education and A-Levels to specialist land-based and technical programs, ensuring there is something for everyone. As a team member, you’ll enjoy a generous holiday entitlement, Local Government or Teachers Pensions, free gym access (Willerby Grove Campus), free parking, and much more.

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive community where everyone can be themselves and succeed. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join our dynamic workforce.

As part of our commitment to equality and diversity, East Durham College operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants who meet the essential criteria, as part of our status as a Disability Confident Employer.

At East Durham College, we uphold Safer Recruitment and Keeping Children Safe in Education standards. This role requires an enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. 

Although this role is advertised as full-time, we believe that flexibility at work can promote work/life balance, increase your motivation, reduce stress and improves performance and productivity. We support different ways of working and can offer a range of flexible working arrangements. So, if you’re interested and need to work flexibly, we encourage you to apply and talk to us about what might be possible.

For more information about the College, please visit our Creating outstanding futures | East Durham College.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.