At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with communication needs and guide families through assessment processes.
- Company: Brent Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, excellent pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for learning and development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children’s communication needs and strong interpersonal skills.
Salary range: £52,194 – £55,323 p.a., including London weighting pro rata.
Contract: 36‑month fixed term, ending 31 March 2029.
Hours: 36 hours FTE (1.0) with term‑time working (39 weeks).
Location: Brent Civic Centre and other required sites.
The Role
Support children and young people with speech, communication and language needs (SLCN) and guide families through the assessment pathway for possible autism diagnosis. Work closely with schools, families and professionals to deliver specialist advice, training and support, building inclusive practice across Brent.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide specialist advice, guidance and support to schools on meeting pupils’ communication and interaction needs.
- Support families through the assessment process, including attending appointments and signposting to services.
- Deliver training and workshops for parents, carers and school staff to promote effective practice.
- Collaborate with settings and families to develop supportive environments and tailored strategies.
- Liaise with therapists, social care and education colleagues to ensure coordinated support.
- Support smooth transition pathways, including referrals to specialist services where appropriate.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to service development and improvement.
Qualifications & Experience
- Significant experience working with children and young people with speech, communication and language needs across a range of ages and settings.
- Experience supporting families and parents through complex processes.
- Expertise in identifying and supporting communication and interaction needs, including knowledge of diagnostic pathways.
- Confidence delivering training, advice and support to professionals and families.
- Strong partnership working skills across education, health and care.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, building trust and positive relationships with stakeholders.
- Highly organised, able to manage own workload and prioritise effectively.
- Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people.
Benefits
- Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays.
- Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS).
- Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles.
- Supportive family‑friendly policies for parents, guardians and carers.
- Health and wellbeing support, including eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposits, season ticket loans.
- Travel perks: affordable parking, Cycle to Work scheme, onsite facilities.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Access to My Brent Rewards with discounts on shopping, travel, leisure and entertainment.
Equal Opportunities & Data Protection
Brent Council values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to safeguarding and welfare of children and young people; posts involving children, young people or vulnerable adults will require Enhanced DBS checks and other clearances. Data collected will be shared with Cifas to prevent fraud and other misconduct, in compliance with data protection laws.
SEND Communication and Interaction Service Outreach Officer in Wembley employer: Brent Council
Brent Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees. With generous benefits such as up to 33 days of annual leave, excellent pension contributions, and flexible working options, staff are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The role of SEND Communication and Interaction Service Outreach Officer provides meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families in Brent, with access to continuous learning and development resources.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Communication and Interaction Service Outreach Officer in Wembley
✨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 Brent 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 Brent 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 Brent 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 Brent 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 Communication and Interaction Service Outreach Officer in Wembley
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 Brent Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Brent 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 Brent 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.
