At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEND in achieving their career goals and aspirations.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leading local authority committed to community and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and support for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Certificate in Information, Advice, and Guidance or equivalent required.
The predicted salary is between 37698 - 37698 £ per year.
About The Role
The SEND Careers Advice Service forms part of Preparing for Adulthood under SEND Strategy & Innovation, supporting children and young people aged 0 to 25 years who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, and their families. Under the direction of the SEND Careers Leads, the SEND Careers Support Officer will undertake participation tracking and reporting, alongside providing initial Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) to young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) aged 13 – 25, and their support networks where required. You will contribute to raising aspirations, improving personal confidence and removing barriers to progression. The SEND Careers Support Officer will work in a person-centred way, ensuring young people are listened to, empowered and supported to achieve their individual goals. A flexible, compassionate and collaborative approach is essential, as is the ability to form positive and supportive relationships with young people aged 13 – 25.
Accountabilities
- Communicate directly with young people with SEND (13–25) and/or their support networks, to gather information on their current situation.
- Provide clear and accessible information, advice and guidance to young people and their support networks, helping them make informed decisions about education, training and employment pathways and signposting to relevant opportunities and support mechanisms.
- Work collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders to promote inclusive opportunities and advocate for young people. This will include education provisions, training providers, employers, social care, the Youth Service, and other specialist services.
- Assist SEND Careers Advisors in brokering tailored opportunities that support the Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) pathways.
- Maintain accurate records of interactions, outcomes, and documentation, prepare reports and contribute to data gathering to better understand local needs and inform future planning.
- Manage a small caseload under the supervision of the Senior Lead SEND Careers Advisor, meeting agreed timescales for interventions.
- Assist the SEND Careers Team in the planning and delivery of group workshops, careers events, engagement activities, and working groups as appropriate.
- Contribute to continuous improvement by sharing observations, feedback and suggestions to enhance service delivery.
Skills And Knowledge
- Educated to Level 3 Certificate in Information, Advice, and Guidance (or equivalent).
- Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain and update skills, knowledge and professional practice relevant to working with children and young people.
- Experience working with young people with a range of learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
- Clear understanding of relevant legislation including the SEND Code of Practice (2015), Children and Families Act (2014), and the Education Act 1996 & Education and Skills Act 2008.
- Able to work effectively with a range of partners to support effective outcomes in line with differing priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to use management information systems and Microsoft Office programs to support the recording of young people’s information.
- A knowledge of person-centred planning to support strengths-based outcomes for young people.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to listen and inform, negotiate and seek solutions to challenging and complex situations.
The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings and to be able to do so in an emergency. Driving licence and car or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential. As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
SEND Careers Support Officer in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
