At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of SEND staff and improve practices in a supportive environment.
- Company: London Local Authority focused on enhancing SEND services.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, highly flexible remote work, and impactful role.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a passion for developing people and improving practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the SEND workforce and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND services and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced SEND Development Manager to join a London Local Authority and play a key role in the continued development of its SEND workforce. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced SEND professional who is passionate about developing people, improving practice and creating a positive culture of learning and continuous improvement.
The SEND Development Manager will focus on supporting the development of both newly appointed permanent staff and the existing SEND workforce. Rather than holding a traditional operational caseload management remit, the role will focus on developing the people, processes, training and guidance that enable SEND teams to deliver consistently high-quality practice.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Developing and embedding professional induction programmes for SEND staff
- Designing and delivering training and development programmes
- Creating and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Developing training manuals, practice guidance and supporting resources
- Coaching and mentoring SEND practitioners and managers
- Supporting newly appointed permanent staff to successfully embed within the service
- Identifying skills and knowledge gaps across the workforce
- Promoting consistent and high-quality SEND practice
- Supporting continuous improvement across SEND services
- Working collaboratively with managers and practitioners to embed new ways of working
About You
We are looking for an inspiring and engaging leader who can motivate, develop and empower staff. You will have a strong understanding of SEND legislation, statutory processes and EHCP practice, alongside demonstrable experience of developing people and improving professional practice. You may currently be working as a SEND Manager, Service Manager, Practice Development Lead, Quality Assurance Manager, Training & Development Lead or in a similar senior SEND position. Most importantly, you will be someone who can bring people with you. You should be comfortable coaching and challenging staff, creating engaging training and translating SEND processes into clear, practical guidance that teams can use in their day-to-day roles.
The successful candidate will ideally demonstrate:
- Significant experience within SEND services
- Strong knowledge of statutory SEND and EHCP processes
- Experience developing and delivering training
- Experience creating SOPs, guidance or practice frameworks
- Strong coaching, mentoring and staff development skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- An engaging and motivational leadership style
- A passion for improving professional practice and developing people
The role offers highly flexible, remote working with no requirement for regular onsite presence. Rate: £380-£420 per day. To discuss the position in more detail or to be considered, please apply with an up-to-date CV.
SEND Development Manager in London employer: Spencer Clarke Group
As a SEND Development Manager with a London Local Authority, you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to enhancing the skills and capabilities of the SEND workforce. The role offers highly flexible remote working arrangements, fostering a supportive culture that prioritises professional development and continuous improvement. With a focus on empowering staff through tailored training and mentorship, this position provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of both practitioners and the communities they serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Development Manager 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 Spencer Clarke Group.
✨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 Spencer Clarke Group!
✨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 Spencer Clarke Group, 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 Spencer Clarke Group 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 Development Manager 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 Spencer Clarke Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Spencer Clarke Group! 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 Spencer Clarke Group
✨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.
