At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of strategies to support young people with SEND in their transition to adulthood.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within Havering's SEND and Alternative Provision Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with over 100 dedicated professionals and state-of-the-art resources.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with SEND and their families.
- Qualifications: Experience in education or social care, with a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 207 - 207 £ per hour.
Havering SEND and Alternative Provision Service is a multi-disciplinary team of Educational Psychologists, Advisory Teachers, Early Years specialists, Counsellors, Occupational Therapists and a range of other multi-disciplinary, specialist staff. The committed team work collaboratively to support children and young people with SEND and their families, working with the schools and educational settings they attend.
There is an exciting opportunity to apply for the position of SEND Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) Lead within Havering's SEND and Alternative Provision Service. The role will lead work on PfA within the Education Directorate, working closely with colleagues from across health, social care and other key stakeholders to ensure that children and young people with SEND are supported to achieve meaningful outcomes and successful transitions into adulthood. The postholder will champion Preparation for Adulthood principles throughout education pathways, EHCP processes and multi-agency practice.
The SEND Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) Lead will:
- Lead the development and implementation of a borough-wide Preparation for Adulthood strategy
- Strengthen the quality of annual reviews, person-centred planning and transition pathways across schools and colleges
- Build workforce capacity through training, guidance and professional development activities
- Work closely with schools, post-16 providers, employers and partner agencies to improve education, employment and independent living opportunities
- Play a key role in developing and supporting Havering's SEND Employment Forum
- Ensure Preparation for Adulthood outcomes are effectively embedded within EHCPs and quality assurance processes
- Develop information, resources and guidance for families, young people and professionals
- Engage strategically with schools, colleges, families and partner organisations to drive improvement and system change
Working within Havering's Education Support Service offers:
- A tailored induction package
- Business support to streamline reporting and diary systems
- State of the art AI tools to support productivity and wellbeing
- Regular supervision
- Protected CPD time
- A talented, welcoming service of more than 100 educational professionals
- Work across a range of settings including Mainstream, Special Schools and ARPs
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Excellent IT equipment and support
- Easily accessible workspaces and strong transport links including the Elizabeth Line
An enhanced DBS check is required for this post.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact both Elizabeth Dunnett SEND Education Support Service Manager at elizabeth.dunnett@havering.gov.uk and Marcus Bennett, Head of SEND and Alternative Provision, at marcus.bennett@havering.gov.uk.
Closing date: 20.08.26
We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.
The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.
We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
SEND Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) Lead in Romford employer: Borough of Havering
Havering is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a significant impact on the lives of children and families. With a strong commitment to systemic practice, access to accredited training, and a supportive work culture, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team in a role that is both meaningful and rewarding. Join us in a vibrant community where your expertise is valued, and together we can create positive outcomes for those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) Lead in Romford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Borough of Havering.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Borough of Havering!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Borough of Havering, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Borough of Havering or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) Lead in Romford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Borough of Havering:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Borough of Havering! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Havering
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
