At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families of children with special educational needs by providing impartial advice and information.
- Company: Join Manchester City Council and make a real difference in local communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 31 days annual leave, flexible working, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dedicated team improving lives for children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Experience in education and knowledge of the SEND system is essential.
The predicted salary is between 43149 - 47665 £ per year.
Working Hours: 17.5 hours
Contract Type: Part time / Temporary (3 Years)
Working style: Hybrid - Employees split their time between working remotely (e.g., from home) and working on-site (e.g., in an office)
Closing date: 11.59, 17 November 2026
Interview Method: In Person (Face to Face)
As a SENDIASS Advisor, you’ll be part of a small, dedicated team providing free, confidential and impartial information, advice and support to families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You’ll work closely with families and partners across education, health and care, building positive relationships with settings, schools and post-16 providers. Co-production will be central to your role, ensuring families are supported, heard and able to influence service development. Your work will contribute to Manchester’s ambition for children and young people to live fulfilling lives within supportive communities.
In this role you will:
- Provide impartial information and advice to parents and carers of children and young people with SEND about their education working within the statutory requirements for SENDIASS Services.
- Support families through a dedicated helpline and offer face to face sessions in community settings and family hubs.
- Keep up to date with current SEND legislation and the SEND Code of Practice.
- Work with our network of parents and carers, schools and settings, Family Hub teams, Social Care and Health colleagues as well as voluntary and community sector partners.
This is a varied role which involves working with families and schools/settings to ensure children and young people are receiving the support they need to achieve their outcomes, this includes supporting families directly and working closely with partners to achieve this.
Pre-employment checks: If you are successful, your appointment will be subject to completing the relevant pre-employment checks. These checks will be carried out as part of our recruitment process and includes:
- Qualification - Level 3 IPSEA SEND Law qualification, this must be achieved within 12 months of starting in the post.
- DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - The post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- Satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks where applicable.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a small team supporting the delivery of the SEND Reforms. You’ll be passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND, with good knowledge of the SEND system, experience in education and a strong commitment to inclusion.
We’ll use the following essential criteria to decide which candidates to invite to assessment:
- Demonstrable experience of providing information, advice and support to parents and carers within the special educational needs system and the ability to provide complex legal information in an accessible way.
- Ability to manage complex caseloads sensitively using a solution focused approach whilst maintaining confidentiality and impartiality.
- Demonstrable evidence of developing partnership working with education, health and care providers to promote positive outcomes for children, young people and their families.
If you’re invited to assessment, we’ll look at a wider range of the role requirements.
At Manchester City Council, we're dedicated to creating a workplace that fully reflects the diversity of our local communities. We actively encourage applications from people of all ages and backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from applicants from ethnic minority communities and disabled people, who remain underrepresented in parts of our workforce.
Benefits we offer:
- Up to 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 31 days after five years’ service.
- Buy up to two extra weeks’ leave.
- Up to 3 days’ volunteering leave.
- A defined benefit pension scheme.
- Enhanced parental and carers leave.
- Employee discounts and perks.
SENDIASS Advisor employer: Manchester City Council
At Crosslee Community Primary School, part of the CLIC Co-operative Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our collaborative culture, which encourages professional development and embraces diversity. Located in Greater Manchester, we offer a flexible working schedule that aligns with school hours, allowing for a balanced work-life experience while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENDIASS Advisor
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Manchester City Council, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Manchester City Council. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Manchester City Council's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace SENDIASS Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Manchester City Council. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Manchester City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester City Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Manchester City Council.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a SENDIASS Advisor at Manchester City Council.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Manchester City Council that you're ready to hit the ground running in the SENDIASS Advisor role.
