At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people with SEND, guiding them through applications and meetings.
- Company: Join Polaris, a leading community in children's services dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional development await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of children and families while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND or related fields; strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 19543 - 19543 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Provide individual support to a caseload of children and young people with SEND and/or their parents. Common topics on which support is provided are: EHCP application, SEND tribunals, attendance issues, social care provision, exclusions and SEN support.
- Examples of support include: explaining documents, co‑writing applications, attending meetings or mediation with the customer, monitoring deadlines on the customer's behalf, supporting or representing the customer at any stage of the SENDIST appeal process.
- Help customers to have clear expectations of your role by using 'What to Expect' (eligibility criteria) and outcomes documents to agree the purpose and boundaries of the support you provide.
- Explain and refer to relevant SEND legislation and policy when providing advice or support (Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice, Equality Act 2010, Care Act 2014, SEND Regulations 2014, SEN Support Guidance).
- Spend time understanding the barriers customers face. Identify and advocate for things that will enable them to engage with SEND services, such as translation services, accessible forms, specific communication provision and emotional support. Signpost to and engage these services as required.
- Proactively support children, young people and/or their parents to self‑advocate as much as possible. Coach and encourage them to take control and complete some tasks themselves, even where you think you may be able to do so faster or better.
- Work at least 1 advice shift per week. This involves answering phone calls and emails to the Polaris SENDIASS helplines. Listen generously to parents, carers and young people who contact the helpline and provide information and advice that enables callers to self‑advocate.
- Make an accurate record of your advice and support. Continuously maintain database records, including contact duration, individual case details and documents relating to casework.
- Cultivate professional relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, including local authority SEN teams, to achieve swift and positive outcomes for children and young people.
- Contribute to the development of content and resources for the SENDIASS website and social media.
Polaris Children's Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Children's Services.
Requirements
- Have a qualification in SEND law or be willing to work towards achieving IPSEA SEN Law Training at Level 1, 2 and 3 within the first year of employment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Personal or professional experience in a leadership position, a calm but assertive manner and an aptitude for managing complex conversations with a range of stakeholders.
- Confident working with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, and databases.
- A full UK driving licence and access to your own car.
About Us
We are Polaris, one of the UK's largest communities of children's services providers. Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as Leaving Care services, Education and bespoke children's services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for each and every child in our care. We're ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and believe in their futures.
Salary & Contract
- Salary: £19,542.86 pro rata (£24,000 FTE), rising to £21,171.43 pro rata (£26,000 FTE) following successful completion of probation and IPSEA training.
- Contract: Part Time, Permanent.
- Hours: 28.5 hours per week (working pattern will be negotiated with your line manager).
- Base Location: No fixed work base, with occasional attendance at in‑person meetings.
Benefits
- 30 days' annual leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service plus bank holidays.
- Company Pension.
- Life Assurance x2.
- Employee Discount Scheme.
- Medical Cash Plan (pro rata).
Support Services ⫽ Other Jobs in Southampton employer: Polaris Community
At Redstone Hall School in Ipswich, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the emotional health and wellbeing of our staff and students alike. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through a variety of development opportunities, while our commitment to providing high-quality education ensures that you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children. Join our passionate team and contribute to a positive environment where every member feels valued and empowered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Services ⫽ Other Jobs in Southampton
✨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 Polaris Community, 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 Polaris Community. 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 Polaris Community's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Services ⫽ Other Jobs in Southampton
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 Polaris Community. 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 Polaris Community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨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 Polaris Community.
✨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 Support Services ⫽ Other Jobs at Polaris Community.
✨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 Polaris Community that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Support Services ⫽ Other Jobs role.
