At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist team to improve SEND complaints and resolutions.
- Company: Ackerman Pierce, a trusted name in Social Work recruitment.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, personal consultant, and guaranteed weekly payments.
- Other info: Remote role with opportunities for impactful leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in SEND services and support families effectively.
- Qualifications: Extensive SEND leadership experience and knowledge of EHC Plans.
A Southwest England Local Authority is seeking an experienced Interim SEND Team Lead to establish and lead a temporary specialist team focused on improving the response, management and resolution of SEND complaints and disputes. This is a key leadership role for a highly experienced SEND professional with deep expertise in statutory SEND processes relating to EHC Plans, alongside a strong understanding of relational practice and collaborative working with families, schools and partner agencies.
Key Responsibilities
- Introduce and embed robust SEND complaint and mediation tracking processes
- Lead the triage and management of SEND complaints and mediation requests
- Drive reduction in overdue complaints and minimise escalation risk
- Generate insight, themes and learning to improve SEND practice and service delivery
- Support inspection readiness in relation to SEND complaints and resolutions
- Build effective working relationships with families, schools and stakeholders to support positive outcomes and early resolutions
- Provide leadership, oversight and direction to a specialist interim complaints and resolutions function
Essential Experience
- Significant operational leadership experience within SEND services
- Extensive knowledge of statutory SEND processes, particularly relating to EHC Plans
- Strong understanding of SEND complaints, mediation and dispute resolution
- Proven experience improving performance, processes and compliance within local authority SEND services
- Ability to work relationally and collaboratively with families, schools and multi-agency partners
- Experience preparing services for SEND inspections is highly desirable
SEND Team Lead employer: Ackerman Pierce
Ackerman Pierce is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its employees. With over 15 years of experience in the Social Work Sector, we provide unique recruitment experiences, including personal consultancy and a streamlined registration process, ensuring our team members feel valued and empowered. Working remotely in Southwest England, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements while making a meaningful impact on SEND services and community outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Team Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the SEND sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of statutory SEND processes and complaint management. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams and resolved disputes in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that align with your expertise in EHC Plans and relational practice. Check out our website for tailored opportunities that match your skills and experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Team Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the SEND Team Lead role. Highlight your operational leadership experience and knowledge of statutory SEND processes, especially EHC Plans. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've improved performance and compliance in SEND services. Remember, we love a good story that showcases your skills!
Showcase Your Collaborative Skills:Since this role involves working closely with families, schools, and partner agencies, make sure to highlight your relational practice experience. We want to know how you've built effective working relationships in the past and how you plan to do so in this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ackerman Pierce
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of statutory SEND processes, especially EHC Plans. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re the expert they need for this role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, particularly in managing complaints and resolutions. Highlight your ability to drive performance improvements and how you’ve successfully collaborated with families and schools.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about specific situations you might face in this role. Think through potential challenges related to SEND complaints and how you would handle them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and relational practice.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, this is a leadership role, so showing your interpersonal skills is key. Engage with your interviewers, ask insightful questions, and demonstrate your ability to build effective working relationships right from the start.
