At a Glance
- Tasks: Support neurodivergent children and collaborate with education and health partners.
- Company: Join Bracknell Forest Council's innovative Experts at Hand service.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive work environment with strong support for wellbeing and social activities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Experience with neurodivergent children and relevant professional qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 46693 - 52327 £ per year.
We are looking for a SEND Neurodiversity Advisor to join our newly established Experts at Hand (E@H) service, a specialist team supporting Bracknell Forest’s SEND reform and wider system transformation. The role is based at the Child Development Centre in Great Hollands, Bracknell and involves close collaboration with education and health partners to provide expert, needs‑led advice for children and young people aged 0–25. This position requires a flexible working pattern involving one day a week at the Child Development Centre and two‑to‑three days a week in education settings, alongside flexible arrangements including remote working where appropriate.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as an Experts at Hand (E@H) specialist to support Bracknell Forest’s SEND reform and system transition.
- Support education settings to identify neurodivergent needs at the earliest opportunity.
- Collaborate with mainstream settings and Specialist Resource Provisions (SRPs) to baseline current practice, build capacity and embed inclusive provision in line with National Inclusion Standards, the Graduated Approach and the Ordinarily Available Offer.
- Design and deliver training aligned with Bracknell Forest Council's recommended approaches.
- Model and support the use of evidence‑informed approaches, including adaptations to the sensory environment for a range of neuro‑divergent populations and other recommended strategies.
- Develop opportunities for networking, collaboration and shared knowledge across council education settings to promote consistency, confidence and sustainable inclusive practice.
Qualifications and Experience
- Substantial experience supporting neurodivergent children and young people.
- Confidence in translating specialist knowledge into practical, inclusive strategies for education settings.
- Recognised professional qualification in education, speech and language therapy, psychology, or a relevant qualification linked to neuro‑diversity, inclusion or SEND practice.
- Strong understanding of the Graduated Approach, national SEND legislation and the importance of providing needs‑led support at the earliest opportunity.
- Ability to coach adults, support environmental adaptations and develop neuro‑inclusive practice across a range of settings.
- Commitment to inclusion, collaboration and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Benefits
- 28 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ continuous service, with the option to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days.
- Hybrid working opportunities to support wellbeing and work‑life balance.
- Paid employee volunteering scheme.
- Local government pension scheme with life insurance cover.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility).
- Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits (Terms and Conditions apply).
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing.
- Inclusive and social working environment with staff networks and a sports and social club.
Working Conditions
- Contract: Permanent
- Working Pattern: Full Time
- Hours: 37 hours per week.
- Location: Child Development Centre (Hybrid)
- DBS Check: Enhanced
- Closing Date: 26/07/2026 23:59
- Salary: £46,693 – £52,327 per year (Soulbury Education Improvement Professionals SCP 3‑7, inclusive of Soulbury London Weighting)
Equal Opportunities
Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. Candidates who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship; sponsorship availability may vary.
SEND Neurodiversity Advisor Experts at Hand in Child Okeford employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Bracknell Forest Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to professional development, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of neurodivergent children and young people in the community. The Child Development Centre in Great Hollands provides a collaborative environment where innovative practices are encouraged, ensuring that every team member contributes to the transformation of SEND services in Bracknell Forest.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Neurodiversity Advisor Experts at Hand in Child Okeford
✨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 Bracknell Forest Council.
✨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 Bracknell Forest Council!
✨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 Bracknell Forest Council, 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 Bracknell Forest Council 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 Neurodiversity Advisor Experts at Hand in Child Okeford
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 Bracknell Forest Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bracknell Forest Council! 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 Bracknell Forest Council
✨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.
