At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Salford Information, Advice and Support Service for children with SEND.
- Company: Join a dedicated team transforming care for families in Salford.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, professional development, and commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND services and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Transforming Care in Salford is an innovative project supporting families with children with learning disabilities, autism and sometimes mental health issues to prevent them entering the care system or requiring a Tier 4 hospital admission. Salford was one of two pilots in GM developing the core service of offering clinical psychological support in addition to that of a learning disability nurse to develop positive behaviour support plans and later the keyworker. The project has been developed in house but will now be delivered by two providers, Barnardos providing the keyworker support and Central Manchester Trust delivering the clinical services and developing and supporting the behaviour support plans. This post is crucial in ensuring the right families access the service and providers work well together and with the local authority.
About the Role
- Lead and manage the Salford Information, Advice and Support Service (SIAS), delivering fair, inclusive and high-quality information, advice and support to children and young people with SEND and their families.
- Coordinate the Transforming Care Service, working collaboratively across Salford, health partners and commissioned providers to achieve shared outcomes.
- Ensure services meet statutory duties while reflecting Salford’s commitment to doing the right thing, being open, and using resources responsibly.
- Use insight, feedback and lived experience to continuously improve how services are designed and delivered.
- Champion accessible, community-focused approaches that recognise the strengths and diversity of Salford’s children, families and communities.
We want:
- All children, young people and families feel listened to, respected and supported, and are able to influence decisions that affect their lives.
- Families receive the right support at the right time, helping to reduce inequality, escalation and avoidable crisis.
- SIAS and Transforming Care operate as a joined-up Team Salford service, with strong, trusting relationships across education, health, social care and the voluntary sector.
- Decisions and service improvements are evidence-led, transparent and accountable, reflecting feedback and learning.
- The role contributes to better life chances and long-term outcomes for children and young people with SEND in Salford.
About you
- Experience of working within SEND services, with the ability to lead people fairly, inclusively and with integrity.
- Strong working knowledge of SEND legislation, including the Children and Families Act and the SEND Code of Practice, and a commitment to applying this in a child-centred way.
- A collaborative approach that reflects Salford ways of working, building trust and shared ownership across organisations and communities.
- Confidence to lead service delivery, improvement and change in a way that is ambitious for Salford’s children and families.
- Clear, respectful communication skills, with a focus on early resolution, constructive challenge and doing what is right.
Please be aware that this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and that you will be required to meet the cost of the DBS check currently £49.50. The payment for this will be deducted from your first four months’ salary payments at a rate of £12.38 per month. If you do not commence employment for any reason but the DBS has been processed, you will be sent an invoice for the payment of £49.50. If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details for how to obtain your Certificates of Good Character.
Want to know more about Salford? As an authority we are dedicated to improving the lives of our residents, and as an employer we are passionate about helping individuals to thrive in their work. We are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture and are proud of our professional accreditations which champion this. Find out about our city as a place to live, work & grow, and learn more about the amazing work we are doing. You’ll also find out about the wealth of benefits we have to offer you on our Salford pages!
Continuous Service commitment
New employees can keep their service related benefits when moving between a whole host of public sector organisations within Greater Manchester, which include: Councils, NHS, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, Transport for Greater Manchester, as well as many others under this scheme. Find out if this applies to you on our Continuous Service page.
Guaranteed Assessment Schemes
We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers, carers, and ex-military personnel by way of a Guaranteed Assessment Scheme. Our application forms ask you to indicate if you meet any of the criteria within this scheme, and so to find out more and if you qualify please visit our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme page.
Privacy Statement and Data Protection
Our core data protection obligations and commitments are set out in the council’s primary Recruitment and Employment Privacy Notice.
Salford Information, Advice and Support Service (SIASS) Manager employer: Salford Council
Salford is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the lives of its residents while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong commitment to professional development, Salford offers numerous opportunities for growth and collaboration across various sectors, ensuring that all staff feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community. The city's vibrant culture and focus on community engagement make it an ideal place for those looking to contribute positively to the lives of children and families with special educational needs and disabilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Salford Information, Advice and Support Service (SIASS) Manager
✨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 Salford Council.
✨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 Salford Council!
✨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 Salford Council, 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 Salford Council 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 Salford Information, Advice and Support Service (SIASS) Manager
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 Salford Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Salford 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 Salford 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.
