At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEND in achieving their career goals and aspirations.
- Company: Essex County Council, a dynamic local authority committed to community transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and support for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on continuous improvement and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and a Level 3 Certificate in Information, Advice, and Guidance.
The predicted salary is between 51834 - 51834 £ per year.
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.
- Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
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.
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 Reading 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Careers Support Officer in Reading
✨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 Essex County 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 Essex County 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 Essex County 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 Essex County 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 Careers Support Officer in Reading
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 Essex County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Essex County 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 Essex County 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.
