At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Experts at Hand model to improve SEND support across South Tyneside.
- Company: South Tyneside Council, dedicated to enhancing community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits package, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Shape the future of SEND support and drive meaningful change for children and families.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND, strong leadership skills, and a passion for inclusive practice.
The predicted salary is between 53460 - 53460 £ per year.
South Tyneside Council is seeking an ambitious, experienced and highly motivated leader to become our first Experts at Hand (EAH) Lead. This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in the implementation of South Tyneside's Local SEND Reform Plan and shape the future of SEND support across the Borough.
The Experts at Hand model is a key element of national SEND Reform and will provide children, young people, families and educational settings with access to coordinated multi-agency advice, guidance and targeted support. As EAH Lead, you will provide operational leadership for the model, ensuring that support is delivered consistently, effectively and equitably across South Tyneside.
You will be responsible for leading the implementation, coordination and continuous improvement of the EAH model, overseeing performance, quality assurance, governance arrangements and the use of data and intelligence to drive service improvement. You will also lead the Inclusion Service within the model and work closely with education, health, social care and wider partners to strengthen inclusive practice and improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
We are looking for an individual with substantial experience of working within SEND, strong leadership skills and a proven ability to lead service improvement and partnership working across complex systems. You will have a strong understanding of SEND legislation, inclusive practice and the ability to use data, evidence and professional judgement to influence strategic and operational decision-making.
This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape a new model of support that will strengthen inclusion, improve access to specialist expertise and ensure that children and young people receive the right support at the right time.
We offer an excellent benefits package and further information is available here - www.southtyneside.gov.uk/workinghere
South Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre-employment checks.
We do not currently offer skilled worker visa sponsorship.
To view our Privacy Notice please visit: https://southtyneside.gov.uk/article/2780/Privacy-notice-for-job-applicants
Please note that if you apply for this role, all communication regarding your application will be sent to the email address that you have registered with North East Jobs, please ensure you check your junk mail.
Closing date: Noon, 31 August 2026
Interviews will take place on 11 September 2026
Experts at Hand Lead employer: South Tyneside Council
Jarrow School is an exceptional employer that prioritises staff well-being and work/life balance, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education. Located in South Tyneside, the school fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where employees can thrive while contributing to the development of young people. With a strong commitment to professional growth and a culture rooted in Respect, Resilience, and Responsibility, Jarrow School offers meaningful opportunities for those looking to make a positive impact in the lives of students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experts at Hand Lead
✨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 South Tyneside Council.
✨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 South Tyneside Council!
✨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 South Tyneside Council, 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 South Tyneside Council 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 Experts at Hand Lead
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 South Tyneside Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South Tyneside Council! 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 South Tyneside Council
✨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.
