At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEND by managing assessments and creating tailored Education Health Care Plans.
- Company: Join North Somerset Council, dedicated to a fair and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with a focus on work-life balance and team collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in SEND services required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Us
North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.
The Role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced SEND Officer to join our SEND Team. The SEND Team is responsible for ensuring that the LA’s statutory duties towards individual children and young people with SEND are met. In this role you will have responsibility for the delivery of statutory processes including Education, Health and Care needs assessments, writing Education, Health and Care Plans, attendance and processing annual reviews, provide guidance to educational settings and CYP and their families around funding processes, some tribunals and all other activities associated with SEND legislation (Children and Families Act and Code of Practice), responsible for casework management decisions and recommendations to SEND panel. Deliver the requirements of the SEND Code of Practice, as part of the collaborative Education Partnership’s Service. Responsible for liaising with caseworkers around the assessment process.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess the needs and provisions of children and young people and develop a framework for Education Health Care Plans to meet their needs, managing a complex caseload of service user.
- Be the named officer for an allocated area or designated caseload (including out of authority schools) providing a professional, effective, responsive and supportive service to children/young people, parents, schools, early years settings, FE providers.
- Be involved in direct service delivery including more complex cases and the development of service improvements within an integrated service plan.
- Provide support and advice to identified groups or individuals as detailed within the Education Health Care plans and implement or commission planned interventions to address identified need within evaluated professional standards.
- Take a role in developing a range of specific services related to SEND legislation with clearly identified outcomes associated with an overall service plan.
- Support the tribunal and top up funding processes as directed.
- Liaise collaboratively with SEND officers and caseworkers to improve service standards and achieve service delivery.
- Work in partnership with service users and other agencies to develop and implement multi-agency services and initiatives.
- Establish & maintain appropriate links between service users and other professionals to encourage a clear understanding of each other’s priorities and ways of working.
This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. A valid driving licence and own transport, or the ability to provide an alternative suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role. This position is based at our Town Hall offices in Weston super Mare.
Work Style
At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. During the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated. This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:
- 2-3 days in the office
- Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
- Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about SEND and who possesses the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria
- Vocational qualification or experience to Degree Level or above, relevant to the service user group or equivalent experience to give the same level of knowledge necessary to undertake the role.
- Approved professional qualification relevant to the area of work and practical experience of working with service user groups giving rise to a variety of technical skills and thorough understanding of the principles of the services available, legal responsibilities, work practices and processes.
- Knowledge and understanding of the SEND Code of Practice.
- Experience of supervising others’ work.
- Ability to analyse areas of work and make decisions to improve them.
- Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding protocols and the threshold levels for service users’ groups. Ability to investigate and follow up on potential issues.
- Ability to engage with service users and partner agencies within the relevant codes of practice values (dignity, respect etc).
- Ability to manage/organise own work and that of others to meet agreed deadlines.
- Understanding and recognition of professional & personal boundaries.
- Hold a full UK driving licence and availability of their own car for work use or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Flexible working arrangements
- Local Government Pension
- Opportunities for professional development
- Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
- Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
- Dedicated in-house Wellbeing Team
- Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our benefits booklet.
Equal Opportunities
At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
SEND Officer x 3 posts in Weston-super-Mare employer: North Somerset Council
North Somerset Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a fair, green, and inclusive environment for its community. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people with SEND. The supportive work culture, combined with initiatives like inclusive staff groups and a dedicated Wellbeing Team, makes this a rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Officer x 3 posts in Weston-super-Mare
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the SEND landscape! Familiarise yourself with the SEND Code of Practice and local policies. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills align with the role when you get that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current SEND Officers or professionals in the field on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about scenarios where you've successfully managed complex cases or collaborated with other agencies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining North Somerset Council and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Officer x 3 posts in Weston-super-Mare
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the SEND Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of supporting children and young people with SEND.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for SEND shine through in your written application. Share any relevant experiences or stories that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in this field, as it really resonates with us.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so we can easily understand your qualifications and motivations for applying.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Somerset Council
✨Know Your SEND Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and the Children and Families Act. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your understanding of the legal framework and how it applies to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage complex cases and deliver effective support. Highlight any direct service delivery experiences, especially with children and young people with SEND.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked with other professionals, parents, and agencies in the past. Share examples that illustrate your teamwork and communication skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the SEND Team's current challenges or initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their goals.
