At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND operations, ensuring compliance with legislation and effective support for children with special needs.
- Company: Hackney Council, dedicated to serving the community and promoting inclusivity.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, commitment to diversity, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a council that values purpose, respect, and unity in its mission.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and experience in SEND legislation and team management.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About the role
The SEND Operations Lead has overall responsibility for ensuring that Hackney Council fulfils its statutory responsibilities as a Local Authority as they relate to the Children and Families Act 2014 and associated regulations. You will manage the EHC processes, special provision and placements funded through the High Needs block. This role will involve working in partnership with parents/carers, young people, education, health and care services, commissioners and information services in the integrated and joint delivery of statutory SEND processes and SEND provision, duties and services for special educational needs through efficient delivery systems and processes.
In order to be successful in this role, you will:
- have strong organisational skills, and a deep understanding of SEND legislation and diverse needs
- analyse data to monitor, track and improve performance
- ensure Education, Health and Care Plans are effective and compliant through robust monitoring, tracking and quality assurance, ensuring the voices of children and young people inform their plans
- line manage EHC Team staff, providing strong leadership, communication and guidance to secure continuous improvement and ensure systemic, trauma-informed and anti-racist practice
- have the resilience to work positively, in a solution-focused way, with families who may be experiencing anxiety or frustration about their children’s circumstances
- model these behaviours to your team, maintaining high standards of customer care as you advise on a range of complex SEND casework
This is a fantastic opportunity for a compassionate, resilient professional with relevant experience of motivating and managing a team to achieve excellent outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Hackney Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. As this role involves regulated activity, the successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and additional pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud. In order to achieve this, we are seeking individuals who embody our “PROUD” values: Purpose and Respect, where we foster belonging through active inclusion, kindness, and open dialogue; Ownership, where we champion proactive collaboration and accountability for our shared success; and Unity and Diversity, where we work as one Council to break down silos and champion anti-racist behaviour.
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available.
Closing date for applications: 13 September 2026 (22:59)
Interview date: W/c 28 September 2026
SEND Operations Lead in London employer: Hackney Borough Council
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to the welfare of children and young people, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a culture of collaboration, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. The Council's PROUD values promote respect, ownership, and unity, ensuring that all staff feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Operations Lead in London
✨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 Hackney Borough 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 Hackney Borough 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 Hackney Borough 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 Hackney Borough 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 Operations Lead in London
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 Hackney Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hackney Borough 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 Hackney Borough 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.
