SEND Information, Advice and Support Worker

SEND Information, Advice and Support Worker

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Suffolk County Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Help families navigate SEND processes with clear, impartial advice and support.
  • Company: A community-focused organisation dedicated to making a difference in Suffolk.
  • Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, health benefits, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team with ongoing training and diverse career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by empowering families and shaping their SEND journey.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn about SEND law.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We're focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people, learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As a SEND Information, Advice and Support Worker you'll be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. So, to make a positive impact, connect with us and connect with a fantastic career.

Your role and responsibilities:

  • Help parents, children and young people navigate SEND processes with confidence.
  • Listen carefully, explain options clearly and provide accurate, impartial information and advice that supports informed decision‑making.
  • Provide trusted, neutral support so families can be confident the information they receive is accurate, impartial and focused on their needs.

You will need:

  • The ability to provide clear, accurate information and advice at pace, responding to a high volume of enquiries while remaining adaptable within an ever‑evolving SEND landscape.
  • A calm and thoughtful approach, balancing empathy, clarity and accuracy when supporting families with a range of enquiries, some of which may be complex or ongoing.
  • Confidence working as part of a supportive team, contributing to a shared aim of helping families understand SEND processes and their rights.
  • The ability to remain neutral and impartial, supporting people to understand their choices without offering personal opinions or judgments.
  • A willingness to learn. You don’t need to be a SEND law expert when you join – full legal training will be provided so you feel confident delivering high‑quality, impartial advice.

If you enjoy working with others, can remain neutral when giving advice, and want a role focused on helping people understand their options, this could be the role for you.

The team:

We believe supporting children and young people with SEND, and their families, is a real privilege and genuinely rewarding work. You’ll receive SEND legal training from the outset, alongside ongoing opportunities to learn and develop. As part of a welcoming and supportive team, you’ll also help shape how we grow and improve as a service, with a shared focus on empowering families to play an active role in discussions and decisions.

Empowering Everyone:

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

Disability Confident:

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high‑volume, seasonal and high‑peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non‑disabled people.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

  • Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro‑rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days.
  • Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
  • Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
  • Performance‑related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost‑of‑living pay increase.
  • Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
  • A variety of career development opportunities across our organisation.
  • Diverse and active staff networks.
  • Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day.

Plus lots more!

SEND Information, Advice and Support Worker employer: Suffolk County Council

As a SEND Information, Advice and Support Worker, you'll join a dedicated team committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of families across Suffolk. Our culture fosters mutual respect and collaboration, providing you with extensive training, flexible working options, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. With a focus on empowering diverse communities, we offer a supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Suffolk County Council

Contact Details:

Suffolk County Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land SEND Information, Advice and Support Worker

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Connect with people in the SEND community, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. The more you engage, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.

Tip Number 2

Practice your interview skills! Get a friend to throw some common questions your way, especially those related to empathy and neutrality in advice-giving. We want you to feel confident and ready to shine when it’s your turn to impress.

Tip Number 3

Show your passion for helping families! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to supporting children and young people with SEND. It’ll make you stand out!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission to empower families.

We think you need these skills to ace SEND Information, Advice and Support Worker

Active Listening
Clear Communication
Impartiality
Empathy
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills
Team Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for helping families and your approach to supporting them.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the SEND Information, Advice and Support Worker role. Show us how you can contribute to our mission of making a meaningful difference in communities across Suffolk.

Show Your Empathy:Since this role involves supporting families with complex enquiries, it’s crucial to demonstrate your empathetic approach in your application. Share examples of how you've listened and provided clear, impartial advice in the past.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council

Know Your SEND Basics

Before the interview, brush up on the basics of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with common terms and processes so you can speak confidently about them. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.

Showcase Your Empathy

During the interview, highlight your ability to listen and empathise with families facing complex situations. Share examples from your past experiences where you've provided support or guidance, demonstrating your calm and thoughtful approach. This is crucial for a role that requires balancing empathy with clear information.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you would handle specific enquiries or challenges. Think through potential situations you might face as a SEND Information, Advice and Support Worker and prepare your responses. This will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively.

Emphasise Team Collaboration

Since this role involves working as part of a supportive team, be ready to discuss your experience collaborating with others. Share instances where teamwork led to positive outcomes, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to a shared aim of empowering families. This will resonate well with the interviewers.