At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage caseloads and provide impartial advice to families about SEND processes.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, 26 days annual leave, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values wellbeing, collaboration, and diverse perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families every day.
- Qualifications: A minimum of 2 A Levels and experience with families or young people required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Manage a complex caseload within a defined locality. Provide high-quality, impartial advice via phone, email and face-to-face meetings. Support families to understand:
- SEND processes and legislation
- Education, Health & Care (EHC) plans
- The Local Offer and available services
Work directly with children, young people and families to build confidence and promote participation. Support individuals through dispute resolution, mediation and tribunal processes. Help families have their voices heard. Work collaboratively with schools, health professionals and partner agencies. Deliver training sessions, group work and engagement activities. Maintain accurate records and monitor casework to support service improvement.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- Experienced in providing impartial advice and support in complex situations.
- Knowledgeable about SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and the Children and Families Act 2014.
- Skilled in communication, relationship-building and conflict resolution.
- Confident working both independently and as part of a team.
- Able to manage a demanding workload and prioritise effectively.
- Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.
You will also have:
- A minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent).
- Experience of working with families, children or young people.
- Strong organisational, IT and record-keeping skills.
- A commitment to equality, inclusion and safeguarding.
A degree or previous experience in a SEND-related role is desirable but not essential. If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference for children, young people and families, we would love to hear from you.
Why Join Us?
We offer hybrid working, flexible hours and a culture that prioritises wellbeing. You’ll receive 26 days’ annual leave (rising to 32 with service), 10 bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leave. You will also have access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, an Employee Assistance Programme, and a wide range of staff discounts and salary sacrifice schemes. We value flexibility, collaboration and diverse perspectives. You’ll be part of a supportive service where your views matter, and where staff are empowered to deliver compassionate, high-quality support for children and families.
How to Apply
Please refer to the job description and person specification for further information on the scope and responsibilities of the role. Ensure you address all essential criteria (identified for assessment at application stage) within your supporting statement. Some criteria will also be assessed at interview. Please upload your CV and a covering letter before submitting your application. Additional documentation will not be accepted after the closing date. You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a ‘disclosure’. If you want further information or an informal chat regarding the role, please contact: Laura.Morris@lancashire.gov.uk
Closing Date: 5th July 2026
Proposed Interview date: 20th July 2026
Information, Advice & Support (IAS) Officer in Preston employer: Lancashire County Council
Join a dedicated team that prioritises the wellbeing of its employees while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and a commitment to professional development, this role as an IAS Officer offers a supportive environment where your contributions are valued. Embrace the opportunity to work collaboratively with diverse professionals in a culture that champions inclusion and empowerment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Information, Advice & Support (IAS) Officer in Preston
✨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 Lancashire County 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 Lancashire County 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 Lancashire County 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 Lancashire County Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
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 Lancashire County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lancashire County 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 Lancashire County 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.
