At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families of children with special educational needs and disabilities through tailored advice and guidance.
- Company: Join Southend-on-Sea City Council, a dynamic local authority making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Part-time role (22 hours over 3 days) with hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of SEND and experience working with families and education settings.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
Are you ready to make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Southend-on-Sea? Southend-on-Sea City Council is looking for a passionate and committed SENDIASS Officer to join the team on a part-time basis (22 hours per week worked over 3 days) for a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a rewarding opportunity where you will be acting as point of contact for those seeking information, advice, and guidance about their child’s (age 0-25) SEND journey.
In this varied role, you will provide tailored advice and support to families. You will do this at face‑to‑face meetings in nurseries, schools, colleges, support groups, training sessions and workshops across the city, and also provide advice via telephone and email. You will be supported with comprehensive training to build your knowledge of SEND legislation covering national and local policy, enabling you to offer informed and accurate information and guidance. You will take ownership of casework concerning children/young people with SEND aged 0–25, providing clear, practical advice and guidance about SEN Support in education (for those with or without EHC Plans), statutory assessments and processes, mediation, appeals, and tribunal processes to parent carers and in some cases to a young person directly.
Although this contract is offered on a hybrid basis, the successful candidate will be predominantly out and about visiting schools/colleges, community hubs, working from office and occasionally working from home. Please note this is a term‑time / part‑time role – 22 hours over 3 days (Advertised salary will be pro rata).
What you'll need to succeed
To succeed in this role, you’ll bring a strong understanding of SEND and a genuine passion for supporting families. Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and the Children and Families Act (2014) will be highly beneficial, alongside experience of SEND processes within an education setting or a Local Authority. Previous successful experience of working relationships with parents, carers, and or pupils with SEN is essential for this role. Effective communication is vital as you will be liaising with parents/carers, young people, education settings and other agencies both verbally and in writing. Although your role will be one of impartiality, it is essential that you can work closely with other services to ensure the right support is identified & the best possible outcomes achieved for all children & young people with SEND. Your application will not be considered without a full and clean driving license.
What you'll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab. Southend-on-Sea city council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.
R2R103931 - 105091 - SENDIASS Officer employer: South End City Council
Southend on Sea City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community while fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. With flexible working practices, comprehensive training, and a commitment to employee development, staff can thrive both personally and professionally. The council's diverse range of services and exciting regeneration projects provide meaningful opportunities for employees to contribute to the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Southend-on-Sea.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103931 - 105091 - SENDIASS Officer
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like South End City Council, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at South End City Council. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through South End City Council's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103931 - 105091 - SENDIASS Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at South End City Council. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at South End City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with South End City Council.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a R2R103931 - 105091 - SENDIASS Officer at South End City Council.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show South End City Council that you're ready to hit the ground running in the R2R103931 - 105091 - SENDIASS Officer role.
