At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support SEND learners and enhance their educational experience.
- Company: Join the Ofsted Outstanding rated East Kent Colleges Group.
- Benefits: Generous leave, competitive pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and internal progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEN or Care sector and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the Role
Lead a Team to Shape Learning to the Learner, Deliver Pivotal Support and Enable Student Success - Join us as SEND Officer. As a SEND Officer you will be integral to our Inclusive Learning department based at EKC Dover College. You will be working alongside the support and curriculum teams to enhance the student experience of our SEND learners.
As part of your role, you will be expected to build strong links with local schools and the community fostering effective working relationships, enabling the arrangement of smooth and positive transition for our students. A working knowledge of Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP) is a necessity as you will be preparing and chairing annual reviews, setting outcomes and ensuring these are monitored throughout the year.
You will also be responsible for undertaking support meetings with new and existing students, to ensure that student's support needs are met and strategies are put in place, cascading this effectively to all parties involved. This will include the writing, and reviewing, of personal needs plans, health care plans, behaviour support plans and risk assessments.
You will be supported by other SEND Officers within the EKC Group Colleges, and will be expected to attend regular network meetings to ensure best practice is carried out and information is shared in a timely manner.
Benefits:
- Generous Annual Leave - 27 days FTE per annum + 3 days after 5 years
- Learning and Development Opportunities - if you are interested in developing into teaching, you could benefit from our £7000 investment into teacher training through our in-house Teaching Academy, 3-4 annual paid group development days, bespoke training programmes and strong internal progression - 1 in 3 roles are filled internally
- Flexible Personal Leave - Time off for your child's first day at nursery or school, moving homes and for interviews
- Competitive Pension Scheme - 18% employer contribution
- Exclusive Discounts & Perks - including restaurant, grocery, retail and holidays discounts as well as car leasing and tech purchasing schemes, on-site nursery
- Wellbeing and Health Support - Generous sick pay, counselling services, discounted gym membership at Canterbury College, free eye tests and glasses vouchers, flexible support for medical appointments and return to work support
- Culture and Recognition - Being part of Community Days, an Annual Staff Celebration Day, and an eco-friendly organisation dedicated to reaching net zero by 2030
About You
Qualifications and Experience you will bring:
- Experience in the SEN or Care sector, with the ability to lead and support a team.
- Proven skills in supporting young people with challenging behaviour and SEMH needs, using proactive and preventative strategies.
- Experience using a range of communication methods and aids (e.g. Makaton, visual supports, symbols) to promote learning and independence.
- A strong understanding of accurate recording, reporting and information sharing, following established protocols.
- A commitment to maintaining student dignity, while adhering to data protection and safeguarding requirements.
About Us & EEO Statements
East Kent Colleges Group is an Ofsted Outstanding rated provider. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities for upholding these principles. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all members of our communities, with a particular focus on increasing diversity. We uphold positive disability awards and are a Disability Confident Employer. We also commit to Care Leavers and Armed Forces personnel through relevant covenants. All staff are subject to suitable checks including Enhanced DBS.
SEND Officer employer: Job Search Place Limited
At EKC Dover College, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the growth and development of our staff. As a SEND Officer, you will benefit from generous annual leave, extensive learning opportunities, and a competitive pension scheme, all while working in a collaborative environment dedicated to student success and community engagement. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of SEND learners, with the added advantage of being part of an eco-friendly organisation committed to reaching net zero by 2030.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former SEND Officers and ask them about their experiences. This can give you insider knowledge about the role and help you make valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your knowledge of Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP). Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles, as this will show you're the right fit for the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, highlight your experience with various communication methods and how you've supported students with challenging behaviours. This is key for a SEND Officer.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in the SEN or Care sector. We want to see how your skills align with the role of SEND Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since communication is key in this role, let us know about your experience using different methods and aids. Whether it’s Makaton or visual supports, we’re keen to see how you promote learning and independence for SEND learners.
Highlight Your Team Leadership Experience:As a SEND Officer, you’ll be leading a team, so share any past experiences where you’ve successfully supported and guided others. We love to see examples of how you’ve fostered effective working relationships in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing benefits!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP) before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles, as well as any strategies you've implemented to support students with challenging behaviour or SEMH needs.
✨Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills
As a SEND Officer, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past, focusing on collaboration and fostering effective working relationships.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice explaining complex ideas simply and clearly, especially when discussing communication methods and aids like Makaton or visual supports. This will show your ability to connect with both students and colleagues.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and prepare thoughtful responses that highlight your proactive and preventative strategies for supporting SEND learners.
