At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the coordination of SEND services and build partnerships across education, health, and social care.
- Company: Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership, committed to inclusivity and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification in relevant fields and experience in SEND provision.
The predicted salary is between 50994 - 50994 £ per year.
About Us
Experts at Hand Co-ordinator
42,081 - 50,994 per annum
Fixed Term / Secondment (2 years)
Full Time (36 hours)
Wandsworth Town Hall / Siward Road
Hybrid working: 3 days per week in the office
You must be able to travel independently across Wandsworth and may be required to undertake occasional evening work to support engagement events and partnership meetings.
Would you like the opportunity to be at the centre of developing a clear, accessible and responsive SEND Local Offer in Wandsworth? Acting as the central point of contact, you will lead the operational coordination, development and implementation of Wandsworth Council’s Experts at Hand model, a key part of the SEND Reform programme. You will bring together schools, early years providers, specialist services, health partners and local authority teams so that children and young people with SEND can access specialist advice and intervention at the earliest point of need.
About the role
Working across education, health and social care, you will build strong partnerships with professionals, families and key stakeholders, including the Parent Carer Forum and Wandsworth Information, Advice and Support Service. You will oversee implementing and monitoring referral pathways and access to specialist advice, organise training and professional learning opportunities to embed inclusive practice across the borough. You will also play a leading role in maintaining and improving the Expert at Hand content within the SEND Local Offer, ensuring families and practitioners can easily access up-to-date information and support.
Alongside coordinating service activity, you will use data, feedback and performance information to monitor impact, inform continuous improvement and support wider SEND Reform priorities. From preparing reports and presentations to contributing evidence for Department for Education returns, you will help shape the future of SEND services in Wandsworth, ensuring children and young people receive timely, appropriate support that meets their individual needs.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- A degree-level qualification and a relevant professional qualification in SEND, psychology, teaching or education, childhood development, or another evidenced specialist field.
- Substantial knowledge and understanding of SEND provision, statutory duties and processes, including the SEND Code of Practice, the Children and Families Act 2014, safeguarding and child protection requirements.
- Sound knowledge of current government policy relating to SEND Reform and of Early Years Foundation Stage attainment levels and age-related expectations.
- Successful experience of coordinating projects, programmes or multi-agency initiatives, including planning, developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating new systems or services.
- A strong track record in a senior or lead role supporting children and young people with SEND, with substantial experience of engaging schools, families and partner agencies.
- Strong organisational, project coordination, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to facilitate meetings, workshops and stakeholder engagement.
- The ability to lead change, motivate and support others, and use management information to improve services and outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
If you meet the above criteria and want to play a pivotal role in turning an innovative SEND Reform initiative into a responsive and effective service that makes a real difference, apply today.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Emily Amess by emailing Emily.Amess@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk
Closing Date: Sunday 22 November 2026
Shortlisting Date: Monday 23 November 2026
Interview Date: Monday 30 November or Wednesday 2 December 2026
Test/Presentation: To be confirmed
All internal applicants for this secondment must seek permission from their current line manager before applying. Failure to do so may result in the secondment not being authorised.
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Experts at Hand Co-ordinator employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Occupational Therapists, offering extensive benefits such as 40 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a generous pension plan. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, the councils encourage innovation and provide opportunities for leadership within a culture that values diversity and promotes positive outcomes for residents. This role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community but also supports your professional journey in a collaborative setting.
Contact Details:
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experts at Hand Co-ordinator
✨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 Richmond and Wandsworth Councils.
✨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 Richmond and Wandsworth Councils!
✨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 Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, 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 Richmond and Wandsworth Councils or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Experts at Hand Co-ordinator
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 Richmond and Wandsworth Councils:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Richmond and Wandsworth Councils! 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 Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
✨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.
