At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower children and families with SEND by providing independent advice and support.
- Company: Join Citizens Advice Shropshire, a respected charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with ongoing training and support.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact in the lives of young people and their families every day.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30667 £ per year.
Responsible to: IASS Manager, IASS Adviser (Maternity Cover), Citizens Advice Shropshire
Part-time (15 to 22.5 hours / week). 12-month fixed term contract until June 2027.
£28,000–£30,667 gross FTE (e.g. £17,027–£18,283 gross for 22.5 hrs)
Shrewsbury-based with flexible working after completion of training/induction.
The post holder will require a DBS Check.
Are you passionate about empowering children, young people and families? Do you believe everyone deserves clear, independent advice when navigating special educational needs and disability (SEND)? If so, this could be the opportunity for you.
Join a team that makes a real difference. Citizens Advice Shropshire is a trusted, respected local charity supporting thousands of residents every year. We provide free, confidential and impartial information, advice and support, and our Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) is a vital part of this mission.
As an IASS Adviser, you will empower children and young people (0–25) with SEND, and their parents and carers, helping them understand their rights in education, health and social care. You will be part of a small, welcoming, values driven team that works independently while collaborating with schools, local authorities, health, and voluntary organisations.
No two days are the same, but every day has impact.
What you will do:- Provide independent, legally informed SEND advice
- Support families to navigate EHCP processes, SEN support, reviews and transitions
- Listen with sensitivity, helping people prioritise what matters most
- Prepare families for meetings, helping them express their voice confidently
- Build positive relationships with schools, health teams and other professionals
- Keep high quality case records and work to IASS Network Minimum Standards
- Continually develop your knowledge with full training provided (including IPSEA levels 1–3)
We are looking for people who are IPSEA qualified but will provide IPSEA training. You'll gain respected IPSEA qualifications, receive regular supervision, and join an experienced, supportive team committed to learning and growing together.
Who we are looking for:You will thrive in this role if you are:
- An excellent listener with strong communication skills
- Empathetic, impartial and confident working with sensitive issues
- Able to research and interpret complex information
- Organised, self-motivated and comfortable managing your own caseload
- Committed to equality, diversity and the values of Citizens Advice
- Confident using IT and digital systems
- Willing to work across Shropshire when required (travel expenses paid)
- A friendly, mission driven charity with a strong reputation
- Flexible working once training is complete
- Generous pension and travel reimbursement
- A values led culture with a real commitment to fairness and inclusion
- The chance to genuinely change lives every single day
Based at our Shrewsbury office, with opportunities for flexible working after induction and completion of training. Some travel across the county may be required.
Start date:May 2026
Job Type:Full-time
Pay:£28,000.00-£30,667.00 per year
Benefits:Company pension, Sick pay
Education:A-Level or equivalent (required)
Language:English (required)
Work authorisation:United Kingdom (required)
Work Location:In person
Expected start date:01/05/2026
SEND IASS Adviser employer: CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
Citizens Advice Shropshire is an exceptional employer, dedicated to empowering children and families navigating special educational needs and disabilities. With a strong commitment to fairness and inclusion, we offer a supportive work culture, flexible working arrangements post-training, and opportunities for professional development through respected IPSEA qualifications. Join our mission-driven team in Shrewsbury, where every day presents the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND IASS Adviser
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local community projects and social enterprises! This not only builds your experience but also connects you with like-minded folks who may know about part-time opportunities. Plus, many nonprofits announce openings through their events and volunteer activities, so keep your ears to the ground!
✨Join Social Impact Networks
Look for networks and forums centred around social impact – think local charity groups or online platforms where changemakers hang out. These places are goldmines for job leads, especially for part-time roles like the ones at CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU. Engaging in discussions can also help you make meaningful connections with potential employers!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re still in uni, tap into career services that may have exclusive listings for part-time roles in nonprofits. They often host job fairs or info sessions where you can meet representatives from organisations like CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU directly. It’s a great way to make an impression beyond your CV!
✨Check Out Online Opportunities
Websites like Idealist or CharityJob specifically showcase part-time positions in the nonprofit sector. Make sure to check these regularly while keeping an eye on CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU’s own job listings on our website. Being proactive here can put you ahead of the curve!
We think you need these skills to ace SEND IASS Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:For a role like SEND IASS Adviser at CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU, your cover letter is your chance to shine a light on why social impact matters to you. Share any personal experiences or volunteer work that highlight your commitment to the cause. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV showcases any nonprofit work or projects you've been involved in, even if they were part-time or volunteer roles. Emphasize skills like project management, fundraising, or community engagement. These are key in the nonprofit sector, and we want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Tailor Your Application:When applying for the SEND IASS Adviser, customise your documents to fit the vibe of CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU. Use our language, reflect our values, and connect your personal goals with our mission. This shows us you’ve done your homework and you're excited to join the team in this part-time capacity.
Don’t Forget Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, clearly outline your availability in your application. Whether you're a student balancing studies or have other commitments, we appreciate transparency. Just pop your available hours in your cover letter or CV so we can see how you fit into our schedule.
How to prepare for a job interview at CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When applying for a part-time role in the nonprofit sector, it's essential to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the mission of CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight why social impact matters to you and how you align with their goals.
✨Bring Tangible Examples of Impact
Nonprofits often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to create meaningful change. Prepare examples from your past experiences—whether in volunteering, projects, or academic work—that showcase your skills in making a positive impact. Use metrics if possible; it's all about showing how you’ve really contributed.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. These will assess how you handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. For example, how would you deal with limited resources or navigate a conflict with team members? Think through your past experiences to give thoughtful responses.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
Since it's a part-time role, they might dig into your availability during the interview. Be open and clear about your schedule and how it can align with CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU's needs. They’ll want to know that you can commit without compromising your passion for the work!
