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- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs and develop tailored education plans.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in a supportive local authority environment.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with various staff support groups and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in social work.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Full time
Package: Fixed term - Secondment cover until 1 April 2027
Leave: 27 days annual leave per annum, rising to 32 days per annum after 5 years' service
Work style: Flexible Worker
Location: Town Hall offices, Weston-super-Mare
The Role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced SEND Officer to join our SEND Team. The team is responsible for ensuring the Local Authority’s statutory duties towards individual children and young people with SEND are met.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess the needs and provisions of children and young people and develop Education Health Care Plans to meet their needs, managing a complex caseload of service users.
- Serve as the named officer for an allocated area or designated caseload (including out‑of‑authority schools), providing a professional, effective, responsive and supportive service to children/young people, parents, schools, early years settings, and FE providers.
- Be involved in direct service delivery, including more complex cases and the development of service improvements within an integrated service plan.
- Provide support and advice to identified groups or individuals as detailed within the plans and implement or commission planned interventions to address identified needs following professional standards.
- Take a role in developing a range of specific services related to SEND legislation with clearly identified outcomes linked to an overall service plan.
- Support tribunal and top‑up funding processes as directed.
- Liaise collaboratively with SEND officers and caseworkers to improve service standards and achieve service delivery.
- Work in partnership with service users and other agencies to develop and implement multi‑agency services and initiatives, establishing and maintaining appropriate links between users and professionals.
This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Valid driving licence and own transport, or the ability to provide an alternative suitable method of travel, is an essential condition for this role.
About You
- Vocational qualification or experience to Degree Level or above, relevant to the service user group or equivalent experience providing the same level of knowledge required for the role.
- Approved professional qualification relevant to the area of work and practical experience of working with service user groups, giving a thorough understanding of the principles, legal responsibilities, work practices and processes.
- Knowledge and understanding of the SEND Code of Practice.
- Experience of supervising others’ work.
- Ability to analyse areas of work and decide how to improve them.
- Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding protocols and threshold levels for service users’ groups, and ability to investigate and follow up on potential issues.
- Ability to engage with service users and partner agencies within the relevant codes of practice values (dignity, respect, etc.).
- Ability to manage and organise own work and that of others to meet agreed deadlines.
- Understanding and recognition of professional and personal boundaries.
- Full UK driving licence and availability of own car for work use or ability to provide alternative suitable travel method.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Inclusive staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
- Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
- Dedicated in‑house Wellbeing Team.
- Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.
Equal Opportunity
We are committed to equality of opportunity and to preventing discrimination irrespective of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.
Safeguarding Commitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Social Worker, Community Team North in Weston-super-Mare employer: Somerset Government
Contact Detail:
Somerset Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker, Community Team North in Weston-super-Mare
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who are already working in SEND roles. They can provide insider info on job openings and even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEND. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role. We want you to showcase your skills and passion for supporting children and young people!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the organisation! Understanding their values and recent initiatives will help you tailor your responses during interviews. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker, Community Team North in Weston-super-Mare
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of a SEND Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of your work with children and young people with SEND. We want to see how you've made a difference in similar roles!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your passion for supporting service users shines through.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset Government
✨Know Your SEND Code of Practice
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice before your interview. Understanding the legal responsibilities and principles behind it will show that you're not just familiar with the jargon, but that you can apply it in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully managed complex cases or developed Education Health Care Plans. This will help demonstrate your practical experience and how you can bring value to the team.
✨Engage with Multi-Agency Collaboration
Be ready to discuss how you've worked with other agencies in the past. Highlighting your ability to liaise and collaborate effectively will show that you understand the importance of teamwork in delivering quality services to children and young people.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Since managing a caseload is key for this role, come prepared to talk about how you organise your work and meet deadlines. Share strategies you've used to stay on top of your responsibilities, as this will reassure them of your capability to handle the demands of the position.