At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families with SEND advice through essential admin tasks and service coordination.
- Company: Skylarks Charity, dedicated to empowering children with additional needs and their families.
- Benefits: Gain valuable training, reimbursement for advocacy training, and make a real difference in the community.
- Why this job: Join a compassionate team and help create an inclusive environment for families in need.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, IT proficiency, and a commitment to confidentiality.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and career development in advocacy.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
About Skylarks Charity
At Skylarks, our vision is to help create a world where children with additional needs can thrive. Skylarks provides a supportive and active community for children with disabilities and additional needs and their families. We care for the whole family, providing opportunities to join in, develop, and feel empowered while reducing the isolation families can experience. Founded in 2006 by parent volunteers, Skylarks has grown over nearly 20 years into an award winning charity supporting thousands of families. We deliver inclusive activities, therapies, advice services and programmes that are often otherwise inaccessible. Our independence allows us to respond directly to families' needs, and we do not receive statutory funding.
OUR VALUES
- Compassion – We lead with empathy and understanding.
- Inclusion – Everyone belongs. We actively remove barriers.
- Empowerment – We build confidence, skills and voice.
- Community – We are stronger together.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Volunteer SEND Education Advice Admin plays a vital role in the smooth running of our advice service. This role provides essential administrative support to our advisors, ensuring families can access information and that records are maintained with accuracy. Beyond administration, this role offers a unique development pathway. Volunteers receive training from our SEND Advice Team on Educational Advice and legislation. For those wishing to progress into advocacy, Skylarks can support the volunteer with formal IPSEA Training. (Note: The volunteer initially funds this training; however, upon completing 12 months of consistent volunteering with the charity, the cost will be fully reimbursed).
Key Responsibilities:
- Service Coordination & Website Support - Supporting the creation and scheduling of activities on the website, including "Talks" and "Micro Talks." Monitoring bookings to ensure sessions meet demand and advising on advertising.
- Database & Case Management - Utilising the database to ensure education cases are kept under review. Working with SEND Advisors to identify and process cases ready for closure. Ensuring all data is handled in accordance with strict confidentiality and Data Protection policies.
- Family Liaison & Feedback - Contacting families to seek feedback on the advice service to help us continuously improve. Acting as a professional point of contact for administrative enquiries regarding the service.
Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Knowledge
Essential:
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Confident IT skills (training on the specific database will be provided).
- An absolute understanding of the importance of confidentiality and data security.
- Ability to work independently on set tasks while being a collaborative team member.
- A commitment to the aims, ethos, and values of Skylarks.
Desirable:
- A working knowledge or personal experience of the SEND education system in the UK.
- A desire to progress into advocacy and undertake further training (e.g., IPSEA).
- A commitment to volunteer for at least 6 months.
Personal Qualities
- A calm, reliable, and solution focused approach.
- High standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, treating people with respect and empathy.
Our Commitment to Inclusive Recruitment
Skylarks is proud to be an accredited Disability Confident Employer and actively promotes inclusive recruitment practices. We welcome candidates with lived experience of additional needs and are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Application Process
Closing date: Saturday 21st February. To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining your experience below or to: recruit@skylarks.charity.
Volunteer - SEND Advice Admin Role employer: Skylarks
Contact Detail:
Skylarks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer - SEND Advice Admin Role
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Skylarks and its mission! Familiarise yourself with their values and the services they provide. This will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former volunteers at Skylarks through social media or community events. They can give you insider tips on what it’s really like and how to stand out in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by thinking about how your skills align with the role. Be ready to share examples of your organisational skills and any relevant experience you have, especially if it relates to SEND education.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re committed to being part of the Skylarks community from the get-go.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer - SEND Advice Admin Role
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Volunteer SEND Advice Admin role. Highlight any relevant experience you have in administration, working with families, or knowledge of the SEND education system.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about Skylarks' mission and how your values align with theirs. Share specific examples of your experience that demonstrate your commitment to inclusion and empowerment.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since this role requires strong organisational skills, make sure to mention any relevant experiences where you've successfully managed tasks or projects. This could be anything from coordinating events to managing databases—let us know how you keep things running smoothly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and shows your enthusiasm for joining our community at Skylarks!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skylarks
✨Know the Charity Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Skylarks Charity. Understand their mission, values, and the services they provide. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their ethos during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires strong organisational skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed tasks or projects. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise work and maintain attention to detail, as these are crucial for the SEND Advice Admin role.
✨Emphasise Confidentiality and Data Security
Given the importance of confidentiality in this role, be prepared to talk about your understanding of data protection policies. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve handled sensitive information, demonstrating your commitment to maintaining privacy and security.
✨Express Your Commitment to Volunteering
Skylarks is looking for volunteers who are dedicated to their cause. Make sure to convey your willingness to commit to at least six months of volunteering. If you have aspirations to progress into advocacy, mention this too, as it shows your long-term interest in contributing to the charity.