Preparing for Adulthood Team Manager in Southend-on-Sea

Preparing for Adulthood Manager South East England | Local Authority | Permanent Position £55,224 – £60,905 per annum (DOE)

Are you an experienced SEND professional with a passion for improving outcomes for young people as they prepare for adulthood? We are seeking an experienced and driven Preparing for Adulthood Manager to join a Local Authority SEND service in the South East on a permanent basis. This is an exciting leadership opportunity for someone with extensive knowledge of SEND legislation, Education, Health and Care (EHC) processes and post-16 provision, who can lead a specialist team and drive positive outcomes for young people with SEND.

The Role

You will lead the Preparing for Adulthood casework function, overseeing EHC planning and annual reviews for young people in Year 9 and above. You will ensure effective transition arrangements into post-16 education, employment, training and adult health and social care services.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and managing a team of EHC Coordinators, providing effective supervision, coaching and performance management.
• Overseeing EHC plans, annual reviews and statutory processes for young people in Year 9 and above.
• Ensuring young people with SEND have access to appropriate education, employment and training opportunities.
• Leading on transition planning, securing suitable post-16 education and adult health and care provision.
• Planning and commissioning specialist SEND placements, including residential and out-of-area provision.
• Managing complex casework, resolving disputes and working to prevent unnecessary tribunal challenges.
• Building effective partnerships with schools, colleges, health and social care services, families and external providers.
• Monitoring provision, outcomes and high-needs funding.
• Promoting supported internships, supported employment and opportunities for young people to access the workplace.
• Representing the service at multi-agency meetings, SEND tribunals and relevant strategic forums.
• Delivering training and guidance to professionals, parents and carers.

Essential Requirements

To be considered for this opportunity, you will need:

• Extensive knowledge of SEND legislation, particularly the SEND Code of Practice, statutory assessment processes and post-16 provision.
• Strong understanding of Preparing for Adulthood pathways and transition arrangements for young people with SEND.
• Experience managing and developing teams through effective supervision, performance management and coaching.
• Proven experience managing complex SEND casework and achieving positive outcomes for young people and their families.
• Strong partnership-working skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with schools, colleges, providers, families and professionals.
• Experience securing specialist provision and managing complex transition arrangements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting, delivering training and representing services at meetings and tribunals.
• A commitment to person-centred practice, inclusion and achieving the best possible outcomes for young people with SEND.
• Degree-level education or equivalent, alongside a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Desirable

A recognised qualification in Special Educational Needs. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Experience of working within a Local Authority SEND service. Knowledge of the Care Act and adult social care transition pathways.

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