At a Glance
- Tasks: Support disabled children and families while gaining valuable skills and experience.
- Company: Sefton SENDIASS, dedicated to empowering families with SEND.
- Benefits: Training, ongoing support, and a rewarding sense of achievement.
- Other info: Flexible working across various locations in Sefton.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and their families.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and a passion for helping others.
Can you spare a few hours as a SENDIASS Volunteer? You will be helping to support disabled children, young people and their families. This is a great opportunity to develop your skills in a rewarding role, and gain a strong sense of achievement. We will provide training and ongoing supervision to ensure you are fully supported throughout your time with Kids.
Sefton SENDIASS provides free, confidential and impartial legally-based information, advice and support relating to education, health and social care for families of children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND who live in Sefton. Our aim is to empower families and young people to understand their rights and to be confident when making informed decisions and advocating for their child with SEND.
About the Role
Duties may include all or some of the following, depending on your interests and skillset:
- General administrative support
- Sending out general IAS emails to support the service delivery
- Maintaining the safe and secure filing of personal data at all times
- Monitoring and recording contacts with the service (phone calls, voicemails, emails, Facebook queries)
- Telephone Advice Line
- Working with confidential information
- Capturing key information during the initial calls
- Providing information, advice and support as required
- Face-to-face consultations
- Supporting parents and young people to understand, interpret and/or complete relevant SEND paperwork
- Focused support
- Supporting parents and young people to understand and exercise their rights around a particular issue; and/or express their views and take part in discussions, for example, in a meeting with school, at Education, Health and Care Plan annual review meetings
- Training and publicity
- Supporting at our training sessions for parents and/or professionals
- Attending events such as school SEND coffee mornings to publicise the service and offer information, advice and support to attendees
Skills
Please note these are desirable but not essential:
- Experience of working with/supporting families of disabled children and young people
- Being a confident communicator and having great interpersonal skills
- Being a confident IT user, with the ability to navigate bespoke database systems; MS Outlook; MS Excel and MS Word
- Having confidence and enthusiasm to offer help and information to service users
- Having the ability to travel independently to and from meetings and events
Location
Sefton. Flexibility between office, home, and other locations across Sefton.
Volunteer - Sefton SENDIASS employer: Kids
At Sefton SENDIASS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of disabled children and their families. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth through comprehensive training and supervision, ensuring that every volunteer feels valued and empowered. With the flexibility to work from various locations across Sefton, you will enjoy a rewarding experience while contributing to a vital service that champions the rights of young people with special educational needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer - Sefton SENDIASS
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, or even acquaintances who might have connections in the SEND sector. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that volunteer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local events or workshops related to SEND. Not only will you learn more about the field, but you'll also meet people who share your passion and might know of opportunities at Sefton SENDIASS.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow Sefton SENDIASS on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. Engage with their posts and stay updated on any volunteer opportunities they might share.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and commitment to supporting families in need.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer - Sefton SENDIASS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting disabled children and their families shine through. We want to see why this role matters to you and how you can make a difference!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, even if it’s not directly related. Whether it’s volunteering, working with families, or just being a great communicator, we want to know how your skills fit the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kids
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a SENDIASS Volunteer entails. Familiarise yourself with the duties listed in the job description, especially around supporting families and understanding SEND paperwork. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how your skills align with the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a volunteer, you'll be interacting with families and young people, so it's crucial to highlight your communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles or situations, especially when dealing with sensitive information or providing support.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
This role is all about supporting disabled children and their families. Be ready to discuss why you’re passionate about this cause and how you can empathise with the challenges they face. Sharing personal experiences or motivations can really resonate with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training provided, the types of cases you might handle, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.
