At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND operations and ensure high-quality outcomes for children with special needs.
- Company: Local Authority dedicated to improving services for children and young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of SEND services and positively impact young lives.
- Qualifications: Degree in SEND or related field and significant leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced SEND Operations Lead to lead the operational delivery of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services within a Local Authority.
You will oversee the Education, Health and Care (EHC) process, ensure statutory compliance, manage multidisciplinary teams, and drive high-quality outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage the Local Authority SEND Operations service.
Oversee the end-to-end EHCP assessment and review process, ensuring statutory timescales are met.
Ensure compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice, and related legislation.
Manage SEND teams, budgets, and High Needs Block-funded provision.
Ensure appropriate educational placements for children and young people with SEND.
Lead on complex case management, SEND Tribunals, complaints, and Member enquiries.
Drive continuous service improvement through quality assurance and performance management.
Build effective partnerships with schools, health providers, social care, families, and commissioners.
Provide strategic advice on SEND policy, practice, and operational delivery.
Essential Requirements
Degree or equivalent experience in SEND or a related field.
Significant leadership experience within Local Authority SEND services.
Extensive knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice, and EHCP processes.
Experience managing statutory SEND services, complex casework, and multidisciplinary teams.
Strong understanding of High Needs Funding and SEND budgets.
Proven ability to improve service performance through data analysis and quality assurance.
Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills.
SEND Operations Lead in London employer: Solantys
Surrey County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a flexible hybrid working environment that promotes work-life balance while providing meaningful legal work in the public sector. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and the chance to make a significant impact within the community through their legal expertise. With a supportive culture and commitment to employee development, this role as an Employment Lawyer is not just a job, but a rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Operations Lead in London
✨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 Solantys.
✨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 Solantys!
✨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 Solantys, 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 Solantys 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 SEND Operations Lead in London
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 Solantys:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Solantys! 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 Solantys
✨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.
