At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative health support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
- Company: Join a passionate team in Kirklees dedicated to transforming education and care services.
- Benefits: Be part of a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to influence positive change in a collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while shaping inclusive practices.
- Qualifications: Relevant health qualification and senior leadership experience in SEND support required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
This is a new and exciting opportunity supporting our ambition in Kirklees for our children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to achieve well in their early years, at school and in college and lead happy and fulfilled lives. Removing barriers to education, and having a focus on learners with additional needs, are key to Our Kirklees Futures – the long-term vision for learning across the district.
We are seeking an exceptional Cluster Area Health Lead to play a pivotal role in developing and embedding innovative locality based approaches to supporting children and young people with SEND. This is an opportunity to influence system-wide improvement across education, health and care services ensuring children and families receive the right help at the right time, providing more quality and consistency for children, young people and their families across the borough and enabling a wider range of children to access support.
Working alongside our current two Cluster Area Leads, Cluster Lead SENDCOs and wider partners across our four locality areas you will provide strategic leadership for health-related SEND support helping to create a more integrated, inclusive and effective system. You will lead the development of health-related expertise and support across the Cluster Areas, championing inclusion and collaborative working between schools, health services, the local authority and wider partners.
You will play a key role in delivering the aspirations of the SEND Reforms and the Experts at Hand approach, ensuring that children, young people and families are at the centre of decision making. To be successful you will need a relevant professional health qualification alongside significant experience at a senior leadership level supporting service delivery to children and young people with SEND.
You will thrive on being part of a change process, relish the opportunity to strategically influence developments and embrace working with a wide range of partners. You will be a creative and committed team player with excellent communication, organisational and critical thinking skills with both an eye for detail as well as strategic vision.
It is an exciting time to join us here in Kirklees, our ambitious Learning Strategy and SEND Transformation Programme are well underway. We are passionate about making a difference in the lives of all children and young people in Kirklees, and you will find a committed and supportive team who are already delivering great results here to support you.
Closing date: Wednesday 23rd September 2026
Interview Date: Thursday 1st October 2026
SEND Area Cluster Health Lead employer: Kirklees Council
Kirklees Directorate Adults & Health is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and personal growth for Social Workers. Located in Dewsbury, the Hospital Team provides a dynamic environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of adults and carers, while enjoying competitive pay enhancements for weekend work and a commitment to equality and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Area Cluster Health Lead
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Kirklees Council.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Kirklees Council.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Kirklees Council, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Area Cluster Health Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Kirklees Council.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Kirklees Council.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Kirklees Council. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Kirklees Council. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Kirklees Council’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
