At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs through effective commissioning practices.
- Company: Achieving for Children, a rated Good service focused on children's welfare.
- Benefits: 29 days annual leave, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to continuous improvement and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with disabilities.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in related fields, with knowledge of SEND legislation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join a team that’s making a real impact. Achieving for Children’s Windsor and Maidenhead Children’s Services have been rated Good by Ofsted, reflecting our strong leadership, commitment to children, and a culture of learning and improvement. We’re proud of our supportive environment, where passionate professionals are trusted to do their best work. If you’re ready to make a difference in a team that values progress and purpose, we’d love to hear from you.
The Commissioning Officer role is based within the Children and Young People Disability Service in Windsor and Maidenhead. The service is a multi-professional service and includes special educational needs, social care, occupational therapy, family work and a wide range of support functions such as the Local Offer and Short Breaks. It works with children and young people with special educational needs and/or a disability (SEND) aged 0 -18 years. In addition, the service leads on the provision of the Local Offer, Short Breaks and a specialist holiday play scheme.
About the role
The Commissioning Officer will be highly organised and dependable who has a passion for supporting children and young people through commissioning practices, taking responsibility for small to medium sized commissioning projects, usually involving stakeholders and reduced financial resources. The Commissioning Officer will demonstrate an excellent knowledge of the SEND landscape and specifically legislation related to disabled children and their families, along with excellent interpersonal skills. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain outstanding relationships with colleagues, partners, agencies and most importantly young people and their families.
Responsibilities will include:
- Leading on identifying, sourcing, and monitoring the commissioning element of SEND respite and packages of support (also known as Short Breaks).
- Providing oversight and upkeep of the commissioning service for the Children and Young People Disability Service, ensuring effective negotiation, contracting, and contract management.
- Supporting the management and maintenance of the contracts register, work plan, and commissioning policies.
- Ensuring a well-governed commissioning process is in place to achieve better outcomes and financial efficiency across the system, while maintaining compliance with the Procurement Act 2023.
About you
- Degree qualification in related subject or equivalent experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Experience in procurement, contract management or commissioning.
- Experience of working with children and young people with SEN/Disabilities and their families.
- Experience of communicating to a range of stakeholders.
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (Or for term-time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract).
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC.
- Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension).
- Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance.
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
- A range of staff benefits and discounts.
- An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway.
SEND Commissioning Officer — Flexible Contracts Lead in Maidenhead employer: Achieving For Children
Achieving for Children is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Located in the picturesque Windsor and Maidenhead area, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and tailored development opportunities. Join us to be part of a passionate team committed to excellence and positive change in our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Commissioning Officer — Flexible Contracts Lead in Maidenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the SEND sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to SEND and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share your experiences working with children and young people with SEND. Let them see your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Commissioning Officer — Flexible Contracts Lead in Maidenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children and young people shine through. We want to see how your experiences align with our mission at Achieving for Children, so don’t hold back on sharing your motivation!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commissioning Officer role. Highlight relevant experience in procurement, contract management, or working with SEND. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do, so be specific!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Achieving For Children
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the SEND landscape and relevant legislation. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they impact children and families will show that you're not just familiar with the role, but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Commissioning Officer, being organised is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed projects or contracts. Highlight how you kept everything on track, especially when resources were tight.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your interpersonal skills by preparing to discuss how you've built relationships with various stakeholders in previous roles. Share specific instances where your communication made a positive impact, especially with children and their families.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the team culture, ongoing projects, or how they measure success in the commissioning process. It shows you're engaged and serious about contributing to their mission.
