Specialist Provision Officer

• Suffolk County Council – Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX – Hybrid
• £33,366 per annum (pro rata)
• 37 hours per week – Flexible working options available
• Fixed term to May 2026 (Maternity/Paternity leave)

At Suffolk County Council (SCC), we\’re reimagining what local government can achieve. We\’re a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and making a real difference in our communities. When you join us as a Specialist Provision Officer (Alternative Provision), you\’ll be part of a team that empowers its people to explore new ideas, create meaningful connections, and shape the future of Suffolk. Ready to reimagine your career and the impact you can make?

Your role and responsibilities

• work closely with other Specialist Provision Officers, working collaboratively to support each other
• be in regular communication with education providers and colleagues across Inclusion Service within SCC
• be pivotal to ensuring that services are delivering to the full potential
• be part of the process by which as many students access high quality alternative provision as possible
• travel to providers across the County chairing meetings with school leaders and business owners who deliver the services we require
• be responsible for line managing officers who ensure clear placement agreements exist for each child we place.

You will need

• experience or knowledge of special educational needs provision including alternative provision
• an understanding of the SEND reforms (2014), Local Authority responsibilities in delivering the ‘Local Offer’, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Improvement Plan Right Support, Right Place, Right Time March 2023
• experience of collaborative approaches through effective partnership working
• experience of service improvement and continued quality assurance
• the ability to assess and manage risk, set clear priorities and manage competing demands
• a good knowledge of safeguarding requirements and legislation.

How to apply

Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (docx)

Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 – Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (docx).

1. Tell us about a time when you had to manage multiple provider relationships simultaneously. How did you ensure consistent quality and performance across all providers?
2. Tell us about a challenging meeting you had to chair. How did you ensure it was productive?
3. Give us an example of how you\’ve contributed to improving outcomes for children with SEND through service development.
4. Tell us about a time when you identified a safeguarding concern. What actions did you take?
5. Describe a situation where you had to challenge established practices to improve outcomes. How did you approach this?

Step 4 – Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note:Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailingrecruitment@suffolk.gov.ukor calling03456 014412.If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

Closing date:26 May 2025.

Interview date: Afternoons of 2 and 3 June 2025.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.#LI-Hybrid