At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families with special educational needs and coordinate essential assessments and plans.
- Company: Join Staffordshire County Council, a community-focused organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, supportive environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and knowledge of SEND legislation are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a role where you can make a real difference? Our aim at Staffordshire is to create an environment where families are supported to stay together safely and live well in their communities by building on their strengths. We’re looking for passionate and motivated individuals to join our newly transformed district teams. This is a fixed‑term contract for 12 months to work within our post‑16 SEND team and you will be based in Stafford. We offer a hybrid approach to work to assist your work‑life balance with a mixture of office and remote working.
Responsibilities
- Support the SEND Locality Leads to carry out the Local Authority’s SEND duties in relation to coordinating Education Health & Care (EHC) assessments, producing EHC plans and carrying out annual reviews.
- Work closely with children and young people with special educational needs and disability and their families, as well as qualified professionals in education, health and social care.
- Develop collaborative and respectful relationships, promoting choice and independence and improving outcomes.
- Ensure education, health, and care plans comply with legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements in addition to policies, standards and procedures.
Ideal Candidate
- Fast‑paced and able to manage own caseload independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of SEND legislation and the ability to reflect on practice and improve.
- Ability to manage caseloads and work within allocated timeframes.
Recruitment Process
We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role. Interviews will be held on Thursday 13th November. We are happy to talk flexible working.
Contact
For more information or to discuss your suitability, contact Jane Coleman, SEND Locality Lead for Stafford, at jane.coleman@staffordshire.gov.uk.
About Staffordshire County Council
We are not an ordinary county council. Our values are at the core of how we think and act collectively and were developed with colleague feedback and national best practice. We have a real sense of community spirit, take pride in the difference we make for Staffordshire people and are ambitious for a better future. Our benefits include a supportive working environment, opportunities to achieve full potential and a healthy work‑life balance. As a member of staff you will have access to our rewards and benefits programme. As an authority, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and a Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities. We offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post. The position is subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
SEND Keyworker in Stafford employer: Staffordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Staffordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Keyworker in Stafford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the SEND field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching Staffordshire County Council's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just passionate about the role but also aligned with our mission to support families and improve outcomes for children with special educational needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a SEND Keyworker, you'll need to convey complex information clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Keyworker in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you and how your passion for supporting families and children with SEND comes across in your words.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for specific examples that show how you can manage caseloads and work collaboratively with others.
Show Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of SEND legislation and how it impacts your work. We love seeing candidates who can reflect on their practice and show a commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Staffordshire County Council
✨Know Your SEND Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND legislation before the interview. Understanding the legal framework will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the families you'll be supporting.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a SEND Keyworker, excellent communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with children, young people, and their families in the past. This will show that you can build those collaborative relationships that are so important in this role.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
You’ll need to manage your own caseload, so be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks and meet deadlines. Share specific strategies or tools you use to stay organised, as this will highlight your ability to work independently and efficiently.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the team dynamics, support available, or the challenges faced by the SEND team. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.