At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and monitor SEND services to ensure quality and performance.
- Company: Join Birmingham City Council's dynamic SEND Commissioning Team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to improving outcomes for families.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35412 - 44075 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated Commissioning Officer to join the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Commissioning Team, part of the Children & Families directorate. This role is located within a dynamic and fast-paced team where no two days are the same.
We are seeking to recruit an experienced, highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with an ability to stay calm under pressure whilst managing competing priorities. As a SEND Commissioning & Quality Assurance Officer, you will support the development and monitoring of commissioned SEND services to meet service specification and contract requirements with a focus on quality and performance.
You will undertake a variety of commissioning activities that support the vision and priorities of Birmingham’s Strategy for Children and Young People and Young Adults (CYP) with SEND and its relentless drive for improving outcomes for children and young people across the city. We are developing a resilient and skilled workforce in Birmingham that works well together with shared values and trust.
We are looking for candidates who match the councils’ values and behaviours: “We will put our citizens first”, “We are true to our word”, “We act courageously”, and “We will achieve excellence”.
You will engage in a culture of collaborative working that reflects the aspirations of stakeholders, promotes equality of opportunity, and celebrates cultural diversity, inspires a sense of purpose, and seeks to improve all aspects of performance.
Reporting to the SEND Senior Commissioning & Quality Assurance Officer, you will be part of a team of commissioning officers who will implement robust quality assurance processes across all commissioned placements to ensure services deliver the best outcomes for CYP. You will undertake quality assurance of SEND placements, supporting a cycle of continuous improvement with SEND residential and day educational specialist placements and a range of other support services for children with SEND.
Using your excellent communication and engagement skills, you will support, motivate, and challenge to ensure providers are delivering the best possible education and support services for our CYP. We will match your commitment to us with opportunities to grow and develop your knowledge and experience in SEND Commissioning so you can excel.
To be part of this dynamic team and to play your part in the improvements we are delivering for Birmingham families, please get in touch. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the communities we serve.
Please upload an up-to-date CV and Supporting Statement via the attachments part of your application. The Supporting Statement should outline how you meet the criteria for the role through your personal qualities, skills and experience and include your motivation for applying to the post. Note the Personal Statement should be no more than 1500 words. Unfortunately, we cannot consider any applications without a CV and Personal Statement attached.
Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people. We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.
For any informal enquiries please contact: Resourcing@birmingham.gov.uk. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken. Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
SEND Commissioning and Quality Assurance Officer in Birmingham employer: Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the development of its staff. As a SEND Commissioning and Quality Assurance Officer, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND, with ample opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to diversity and equality. The council's values foster a culture of collaboration and excellence, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful change in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Commissioning and Quality Assurance Officer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the SEND sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's values and recent initiatives in SEND. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the team culture. Tailor your responses to reflect how you embody their commitment to putting citizens first.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a SEND Commissioning Officer, you'll need to engage effectively with various stakeholders. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your messaging.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure your CV and Supporting Statement are tailored to highlight your experience in quality assurance and commissioning – that’s what we want to see!
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Commissioning and Quality Assurance Officer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the SEND Commissioning and Quality Assurance Officer role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, showing us why you're the perfect fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your Supporting Statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your personal qualities and experiences align with the role. Don’t forget to express your motivation for applying – we love to see passion!
Keep It Concise:Remember, the Personal Statement should be no more than 1500 words. Be clear and concise in your writing, focusing on the most relevant points that demonstrate your suitability for the position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. Make sure to attach both your CV and Supporting Statement, as we can’t consider applications without them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham City Council
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) services. Understand the current challenges and priorities in Birmingham’s strategy for children and young people with SEND. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a SEND Commissioning and Quality Assurance Officer, you'll need to engage effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated and collaborated in previous roles. Think about times when you motivated or challenged providers to improve their services.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Ability
This role requires staying calm under pressure and managing competing priorities. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you've had to think on your feet and find solutions quickly. Highlight your ability to implement quality assurance processes and drive continuous improvement.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the council's values: putting citizens first, being true to your word, acting courageously, and striving for excellence. During the interview, weave these values into your responses to demonstrate that you’re a perfect cultural fit for the team.