At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with disabilities through effective commissioning and project management.
- Company: Achieving for Children, a rated Good service focused on children's needs.
- Benefits: 29 days annual leave, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to improving children's services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in related fields, with knowledge of SEND.
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.
For further information about this role, please contact Suki Hayes by email suki.hayes-lapham@achievingforchildren.org.uk for an informal discussion.
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.
Short Break Commissioning Officer in Maidenhead employer: Achieving For Children
Achieving for Children is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment in Windsor and Maidenhead. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from tailored induction sessions, flexible working options, and generous annual leave, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values progress, purpose, and the well-being of its staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Short Break Commissioning Officer in Maidenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, especially those already working in children’s services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Show us you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND. Tailor your answers to reflect our commitment to progress and purpose.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interpersonal skills! Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend. We want to see how well you can communicate and build relationships, so being confident and personable is key.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our supportive team at Achieving for Children.
We think you need these skills to ace Short Break Commissioning Officer 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 values align with our mission at Achieving for Children.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in procurement, contract management, or commissioning. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and knowledge in the SEND landscape.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
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 this impactful role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Achieving For Children
✨Know Your SEND Landscape
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) landscape. Understand the key legislation and how it impacts children and families. This will show your passion for the role and your commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Commissioning Officer, being organised is crucial. 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 excellent interpersonal skills by preparing to discuss how you've built relationships with various stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to share specific instances where your communication made a positive impact on a project or outcome.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the challenges faced in commissioning, or how success is measured in the role. It shows you're genuinely interested and engaged with the position.
