At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through information and advice.
- Company: Plymouth City Council, committed to equality and community support.
- Benefits: Flexible working options and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to high-quality service delivery.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families with SEND.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND and completed SEN Adviser's Legal Training Levels 1-3.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
“Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.”
- This vacancy is only available for applications from the Access to Learning Area within Plymouth City Council employees and Agency Workers who are in an active placement within the Access to Learning Area and have 12 weeks continuous service.
Applications submitted by External candidates who do not meet this criteria will not be considered and will be rejected.
Following the retirement of the Senior PIAS Support Coordinator we are seeking an experienced and motivated person to fill this role on a full-time basis.
This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated professional with a strong understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), legal frameworks, family support services and the work of SENDIASS.
The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the delivery of a high-quality Parent, Carer, children and Young Person Information, Advice and Support Service (PIASS), ensuring that families, children, and young people receive accurate, impartial information and support in relation to SEND processes and legislation.
As a senior member of the team, you will provide guidance to colleagues, coordinate casework activity, maintain high standards of service delivery, and contribute to the ongoing development of the service.
You will have completed SEN Adviser's Legal Training Levels 1-3.
Key responsibilities
- Provide information, advice and support to parents, carers, children and young people regarding SEND matters.
- Support families through SEN Support, Ordinarily Available Provision, Graduated Approach (Assess, Plan, Do, Review) to meet individual needs.
- Support families through Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments, plans, reviews and appeals processes.
- Coordinate and oversee casework to ensure timely and effective support.
- Assist in the supervision, mentoring and development of team members.
- Ensure advice provided is accurate, impartial and compliant with current legislation and statutory guidance.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with schools, local authorities, health services and partner organisations.
- Monitor service performance and contribute to reporting and quality assurance activities.
- Support the promotion and development of the PIAS service across the local area.
The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Enhanced check + DBS Children’s Barred List.
This role is suitable for flexible working subject to the needs of the service.
For more information or an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Helen Huntley, Team Manager, on 01752 305189 or email helen. huntley@plymouth. gov. uk.
- Proposed Closing date: Monday 17 August 2026
- Anticipated interview date: Wednesday 02 September 2026
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer.
All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.
As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
Plymouth City Council is proud to be an Age Friendly Employer. We encourage applications from talented people at every stage of their career.
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Senior PIAS Support Coordinator in Plymouth employer: PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
Plymouth City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for professionals in child protection. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and training programmes that empower our staff to excel in their roles. Working in Plymouth not only provides the chance to make a meaningful impact on the community but also allows you to be part of a forward-thinking team that values restorative practices and innovative strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior PIAS Support Coordinator in Plymouth
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior PIAS Support Coordinator in Plymouth
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 PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to PLYMOUTH CITY 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 PLYMOUTH CITY 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.
