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- Tasks: Lead co-production activities and empower young people with SEND to shape their services.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, dedicated to amplifying the voices of young people with special educational needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, home options, a local government pension, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community by advocating for inclusivity and children's rights.
- Qualifications: Experience in engagement with young people with SEND and strong knowledge of SEND legislation required.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for specific groups; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 38400 - 44800 £ per year.
The role
Make a real impact-give young people a voice in shaping Southwark\’s future.
Are you passionate about ensuring young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are heard? Do you believe in co-production and championing children\’s rights? If so, this is your opportunity to be at the heart of shaping SEND services in Southwark.
About the Service
At Southwark Council, we are committed to putting young people with SEND and their families at the centre of decision-making. Our Children & Families division works tirelessly to ensure that their voices are not just heard but actively shape the services that support them. Through advocacy, engagement, and co-production, we aim to create a more inclusive and responsive service that meets the needs of our diverse community.
About the Role
As the SEND Participation Officer , you will be the driving force behind ensuring young people with SEND and their families play an active role in shaping the services they use. You will:
- Lead on co-production and engagement activities , ensuring that young people are at the heart of decision-making.
- Establish and manage a Young Person\’s SEND Forum , providing regular updates to the SEND Partnership Board.
- Coordinate and facilitate consultation, participation, and advocacy opportunities for children, young people, and families.
- Work closely with schools, health and social care professionals, and community groups to promote collaboration.
- Deliver training and workshops to empower young people with SEND and build their confidence in advocating for themselves.
- Develop an accessible communication strategy , including newsletters and easy-read materials.
- Oversee engagement budgets and ensure best practices in participation and SEND strategy implementation.
This is a fantastic opportunity to influence policy, develop innovative participation strategies, and directly impact the lives of young people in Southwark.
About You
You are an advocate, a communicator, and a leader. To succeed in this role, you will bring:
- Proven experience in participation and engagement with young people with SEND.
- Strong knowledge of SEND legislation (Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice 2014) and its application in local services.
- A deep commitment to inclusivity, co-production, and children\’s rights .
- Excellent communication skills , with the ability to engage young people, families, professionals, and stakeholders.
- The ability to manage projects, coordinate events, and facilitate meaningful engagement .
- A creative and strategic mindset-someone who can develop innovative ways to enhance young people\’s involvement in decision-making.
If you are ready to make a difference and ensure young people with SEND have a powerful voice in Southwark, we\’d love to hear from you.
Join us and be part of something bigger-empowering young people, shaping services, and making Southwark a truly inclusive borough.
Recruitment timetable
Advert close: 14th March
Guaranteed Interview Scheme:
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you\’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
* Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
* Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
* If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme . We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Additional details
This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) DBS check at Enhanced level.
Benefits and more information:
In your role, we want you to feel supported, challenged and rewarded. You will benefit from our family-friendly policies including flexible working, home working, and a local government pension scheme, plus many other staff benefits. You will join a motivated, driven and supportive team that strives for excellence and values its members. You will also be part of a successful and high-achieving development team that is making a real difference to the lives of residents in the borough. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Staff Benefits page.
Salary: £44430 – £51663 per annum
SEND Participation Officer - London SE1 employer: Southwark Council
Contact Detail:
Southwark Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Participation Officer - London SE1
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the SEND legislation, especially the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2014. Understanding these frameworks will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local community groups and organizations that work with young people with SEND. Building relationships with these stakeholders can provide valuable insights and show your proactive approach to collaboration.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully facilitated participation and engagement activities in the past. Highlighting your experience will showcase your ability to lead co-production efforts effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Think creatively about how you can enhance young people's involvement in decision-making. Be ready to share innovative ideas during the interview that align with the council's vision for inclusivity and empowerment.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Participation Officer - London SE1
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the SEND Participation Officer position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and how your experience aligns with them.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize your proven experience in participation and engagement with young people with SEND. Use specific examples that demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and co-production.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are crucial for this role, provide examples of how you've effectively engaged with young people, families, and professionals in the past. This could include workshops, training sessions, or advocacy work.
Express Your Passion: Make sure to convey your passion for ensuring young people with SEND have a voice. Share your motivation for wanting to work in this role and how you plan to make a difference in Southwark.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Show Your Passion for Advocacy
Make sure to express your genuine passion for advocating for young people with SEND. Share personal experiences or examples that highlight your commitment to ensuring their voices are heard and included in decision-making processes.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of SEND Legislation
Familiarize yourself with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2014. Be prepared to discuss how these laws impact local services and how you can apply this knowledge in your role as a SEND Participation Officer.
✨Highlight Your Engagement Skills
Prepare to showcase your experience in engaging with young people, families, and professionals. Discuss specific strategies you've used to facilitate meaningful participation and how you plan to implement these in the role.
✨Be Creative and Strategic
Think about innovative ways to enhance young people's involvement in decision-making. Share ideas on how you would develop accessible communication strategies and training workshops that empower young people with SEND.
