Academy Education OfficerBlackburn Rovers

Job title: Academy Education Officer

Department: Education & Player Care

Location: BRFC Academy, however flexibility on location may be required.

Reports to: Head of Education

Responsible for: N/A

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week plus any additional hours necessary for the performance of duties. This may include evening and weekend work.

Contractual status: Permanent

Job purpose: To deliver an effective education support programme throughout the Academy. To support the Head of Education in monitoring the educational performance of players within the Academy aged 9-18.

Duties and responsibilities:
• To be committed to ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of all elite players, promoting their well-being whilst maintaining professional boundaries;
• To support in the delivery of the SEP apprenticeship programme for all scholars;
• To support the production of 6/7 weekly education reviews for all academy players aged 9-18, taking sole responsibility for players in the Foundation and Youth Development Phases
• To support the multi-disciplinary approach to the review process;
• To support the multi-disciplinary approach to the parent’s evening;
• Plan and deliver teaching and learning sessions for academy players participating in the Day Release Hybrid Education Programme, delivering two 90-minute sessions each week.
• Coordinate the delivery of the hybrid programme ensuring compensatory education is provided for all players engaging in the Day Release Programme
• Take a leading role in monitoring and tracking of part time players on Foundation Phase and other hybrid players in the Youth Development Phase;
• To liaise closely with schools and parents in relation to all aspects of player education progress;
• To attend and visit schools of players who are on the hybrid training model, when required, providing interventions and support where necessary;
• To attend relevant meetings with the Head of Education and other education providers;
• To support and monitor the transition of newly signed players and their induction in the training programme;
• Support the Head of Education & Player Care Officer in managing player transitions away from the club;
• To support the Player Care Officer in delivery of the Pre 16 Life skills programme;
• To complete relevant CPD specifically in to the job roles and responsibilities;
• Support the continual update of the education and player care key performance indicators within the Academy Performance Plan;
• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer for the Academy, which incorporates the below duties;
• Assist in ensuring familiarity with and adherence to the Club Safeguarding Structure and Compliance Plan.

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) duties:
• Ensure familiarity and compliance with and commitment to safeguarding policies and procedures;
• Manage and report incidents, disclosures etc. in accordance with policies and procedures;
• Raise awareness of safeguarding practices in your area of responsibility and create a culture of trust and inclusion;
• Deliver or arrange delivery of awareness training and key messages for staff in your area and ensure you and your deputy have received adequate training to fulfil your role;
• To act as deputy to cover absences for the DSO and Deputy DSO’s;
• Be responsible for providing support to staff involved in an allegation; and
• To recognise the importance of professional boundaries in working relationships.

Skills required:
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• Ability to work independently;
• Good communication with key internal and external stakeholders;
• Ability to meet deadlines;
• Good listening skills (particularly pastorally for players);
• Good level of analytical skills;
• Competent use of key IT programmes incl. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint as well as key online systems;
• Ability to solve problems;
• Be innovative in thinking and moving the department forward;
• Professionalism; and
• Confidentiality.
Knowledge required:
• Good knowledge of how schools grade/show academic progress of their students;
• Good knowledge of Safeguarding/child protection policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of various training models within the Academy;
• Knowledge of key education documentation at DFE level and how this may impact the academy’s provision; and
• Good knowledge of transition routes for players in the U16, U18 and U23 age groups

Qualifications required:
• Teaching Qualification (PGCE/PCERT);
• QTLS;
• Assessors award; and
• FA Safeguarding

DBS check required: Yes (Enhanced)