SEND Project Lead in Ipswich

Job Purpose

As a project manager in Children and Young People’s Services you will be at the forefront of managing change, leading high quality and effective ways of working and managing staff, resources or projects to achieve the best possible outcomes for children, young people and their families in Suffolk.

About the Role

• Work with the programme team to develop the Families First Strategy to improve outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and their families.
• Work with stakeholders to identify opportunities to enhance early intervention and prevention services within the social care framework.
• Support service areas and partnership networks in the design and implementation of change by ensuring projects focus on delivering sustainable improvements embedded into core service delivery.
• Provide a solution-focused approach using knowledge, skills and expertise of partners to implement national reforms and local improvements.
• Contribute to the Families First risk register and support in minimising and mitigating risks to strategy implementation.
• Take responsibility for delivery of a portfolio of social care projects, planning and monitoring over short-, medium- and long-term timeframes.
• Proactively work with communication teams to provide updates and maintain effective communication with all stakeholders.
• Provide reports, updates and evaluation of projects for governance structures, highlighting outcomes for families.

Person Specification

• Suitable professional qualification at post graduate level or equivalent experience at seasoned professional level in a relevant area of work.
• Evidence of continuing professional development in a management role or similar role.
• Management Qualification. (Desirable)

• Demonstrates a passion for making a positive difference for Suffolk.
• Shares our WE ASPIRE Values and strives to lead by example in relation to these.
• A strong commitment to fairness and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
• Strives to continuously improve in everything they do, taking the initiative to learn and develop.
• Brings creativity into their work through innovation and openness to change.
• Collaborates well with others and offers assistance and support to colleagues.
• Committed to listening to children and families and to working collaboratively with them to address concerns.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

• Comprehensive understanding of legislation, guidance and national policy framework relevant to role for provision of services.
• Comprehensive understanding of standards required in relation to the assessment and case management in respect of risk and need in children’s services.
• Understanding of performance and quality standards required in children’s services.
• Awareness and understanding of the wide range of professional roles and disciplines that contribute to the protection and wellbeing of children and young people, families and communities.
• Understanding of the significance of diversity in ensuring equality in service provision to children and families.
• High level planning skills to ensure milestones and deadlines are met.
• Evidenced knowledge of safeguarding practice and procedures.
• Practical application and knowledge of data protection and information sharing in the workplace.
• Proven leadership qualities and interpersonal skills.
• To represent the area of service at meetings where required.
• Ability to influence, persuade and encourage staff and colleagues within different contexts.
• Motivate staff and others.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from a wide range of professional disciplines.
• Ability to provide written material through reports and correspondence clearly and coherently.
• Ability to present written material to a range of audiences.
• Ability to elicit, evaluate and take account of a wide range of views including those of children and young people.
• Negotiation, innovation and creativity.
• Effectively chair meetings.
• Excellent IT skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Experience in successfully managing relevant services as appropriate.
• Ability to assess and manage risk, set clear priorities and manage competing demands.
• Knowledge of Signs of Safety and solution focused approaches in practice. (Desirable)
• Knowledge of using evidence based models of intervention. (Desirable)
• Knowledge of associated agencies and their working practices. (Desirable)
• Project Management training. (Desirable)
• Experience of undertaking change management. (Desirable)
• Understanding of the significance of working within a political environment. (Desirable)
• Ability to clearly articulate a strategic vision, sense of direction and management expectations. (Desirable)

Rate of Pay

PAYE: £340
Umbrella: £450
Location: Suffolk