Job Introduction
Job Title: Reintegration Education Officer (REO)
Starting Salary: £34,434 progressing to £37,280 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 32.50 per week
Base Location: Stevenage, Farnham House.
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Childrens Services
Make a real difference to children who need it most
About the team
Hertfordshire County Council is seeking a committed and compassionate Reintegration Education Officer (REO) to join the Hertfordshire Interim Teaching Service (HITS). This is a rewarding opportunity to support children and young people who are missing education and who have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), helping them re-engage with learning and successfully reintegrate into education or move on to an appropriate next setting.
About the role
As a Reintegration Education Officer, you will work directly with pupils who may be anxious, disengaged or emotionally overwhelmed, delivering personalised reintegration support aligned with EHCP outcomes and preparation for adulthood. You will play a key role in ensuring Hertfordshire County Council meets its statutory Section 19 duties by supporting access to suitable education for children unable to attend school.
Working closely with HITS Teachers, Senior Teachers, families, schools and partner agencies, you will help pupils rebuild confidence, establish routines, develop emotional regulation strategies and prepare for a successful return to school or progression pathway.
Key responsibilities
- Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils who are reluctant or anxious about returning to school
- Deliver tailored 1:1 and small-group reintegration sessions focused on readiness for learning and routines
- Support pupils through home visits, centre-based work, community learning and online sessions
- Contribute to personalised reintegration planning, including baseline assessments and phased returns
- Work closely with families, schools, SENCOs and multi-agency professionals to ensure joined-up support
- Prepare pupils for transition into their destination school or next educational setting
- Maintain accurate records, track engagement and contribute to review meetings
- Follow safeguarding procedures and contribute to risk assessments at all times
We are looking for someone who is resilient, empathetic and solution-focused, with a genuine commitment to inclusive education.
Essential criteria:
- Pastoral experience working with children or young people with SEND, emotional or medical needs
- Ability to build rapport with pupils who are disengaged or anxious
- Strong communication skills for working with families and professionals
- Understanding of reintegration, barriers to attendance and school routines
- Knowledge of safeguarding and trauma-informed approaches
- Calm and reflective approach in challenging situations
- Strong organisational and record-keeping skills
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle
Desirable:
- Experience supporting children missing education or at risk of exclusion
- Knowledge of EHCPs, attendance processes and statutory duties
- Experience or training in restorative, therapeutic or trauma-informed practice
- Background in alternative provision, outreach or inclusion services
Why join Hertfordshire County Council?
At Hertfordshire, inclusion is part of our DNA. We are committed to creating a workforce where everyone feels valued, supported and able to thrive. You’ll benefit from regular supervision, professional development opportunities and the chance to work as part of a highly skilled, values-driven team making a real difference to children’s lives.
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
This job role is within the Community Services, level 9 job profile. Please locate this via: Job profiles - Community services
To hear more about this opportunity please contact silvia.hundal@hertfordshire.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role.
Interview Date: 21st May - Face to Face, Stevenage
How to apply
As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Additional information
Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Safeguarding
This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
Driving required
You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.
English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.