At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team providing vital support and guidance for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Company: Hackney Council, a vibrant and progressive local authority in London.
- Benefits: Permanent role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and safeguarding children's welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEN services and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values. We have an excellent opportunity for the right person to lead our SEND Information, Advice & Guidance Service (SENDIAGS) Team at Hackney Council, on a Permanent, full time basis.
As Head of SENDIAGS, you will support a team of officers in providing high‑quality, legally accurate, impartial information, advice, and support to parents, carers, children, and young people aged 0‑25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, ensuring they understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to education, health, and social care services.
Hackney SENDIAGS is a statutory arm's length service which provides free confidential and impartial information, advice and support for parents/carers, children and young people through:
- A telephone advice line
- A dedicated confidential e‑mail address
- Support at meetings as and when appropriate
- Information, advice and support in relation to school admissions, exclusions and appeals
- Drop‑in sessions at Hackney Ark for parents/carers
- Knowledge is Power information sessions for parents/carers and young people
This role requires strong relationship building with local schools, colleges, local authority services, health services and voluntary organisations, alongside effective collaboration across multi‑agency partnerships. You will have in place a co‑productive framework which enables the provision of the information and support necessary for children and young people with SEND and their parents/carers to participate in the decision‑making process. The service is highly valued in Hackney.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a compassionate, resilient professional with relevant experience of delivering SEN and Disabilities services to a wide range of stakeholders, identifying potential opportunities for service development and having IPSEA legal training.
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.
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and maternity, age and marital status. 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 particularly welcome applications from disabled people and people from a black and global majority background as these groups are currently under‑represented in our workforce.
Head of Hackney SEND Information, Advice & Guidance Service in London employer: Job Search Place Limited
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture in one of London's most dynamic boroughs. As the Head of SEND Information, Advice & Guidance Service, you will lead a dedicated team committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. With a strong focus on professional development, collaboration, and community engagement, Hackney Council provides a supportive environment where your expertise can flourish while contributing to the welfare of diverse communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Hackney SEND Information, Advice & Guidance Service in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
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✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨Leverage Your Network
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Hackney SEND Information, Advice & Guidance Service 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 Job Search Place Limited:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Job Search Place Limited! 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 Job Search Place Limited
✨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.
