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- Tasks: Support children with SEND, improve service quality, and build trusted relationships.
- Company: Surrey County Council, dedicated to excellent SEND support.
- Benefits: 26 days holiday, pension, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of SEND, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach.
- Other info: Hybrid working, supportive team environment, and career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 27634 - 30800 £ per year.
The starting salary for this position is £27,634 per annum based on a 36 hour working week. We are excited to be hiring two SEND Officers to join our fantastic Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) service. This role will be integral to ongoing and focused work to improve the quality and timeliness of our SEND services.
The role is open to hybrid working and as a team we split our time between working from home and collaborating together in the office for a minimum of two days per week. We have one vacancy in our Weybridge office and another in our Reigate office. You can indicate your preferred location during the application process; however, final placement will be determined according to service needs.
We’re looking for compassionate, knowledgeable, and proactive individuals who can build trusted relationships and communicate clearly. Our young people want adults who listen, explain things honestly, and keep them at the centre of every decision. Parents and carers value empathy, strong organisational skills, and a deep understanding of SEND legislation and diverse needs. Schools need consistent, accessible professionals who are experts in SEND and can guide them through the system with clarity and confidence. If you’re committed to collaboration, advocacy, and making things happen, we’d love to hear from you.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About the Role
At Surrey County Council, we’re committed to providing excellent support for children and young people with SEND. Our SEND services work together to deliver timely, effective support that leads to positive outcomes. We focus on building strong, respectful relationships with families, schools, and partner organisations, with relational and restorative working practices underpinning all our work.
As a SEND Officer, you will be the first point of contact for all general SEND calls, dealing effectively with enquiries wherever possible, or referring to the relevant Officer as required. You will use your passionate approach to drive forward improvement and your effective organisational skills to ensure the service you deliver is always the best it can be. By working in close collaboration with children’s Social Care, Health, parents/carers and families, as well as schools, your impact will help us to achieve the best outcomes for the children we support.
We offer a thorough induction and there is always support and guidance on hand. Our teams are cohesive and provide ongoing peer support. There are lots of opportunities to develop in the role with ongoing training. Additionally, there are often opportunities to progress within the service to more senior positions.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- Some knowledge or experience of SEND, and a willingness to develop this further
- Ability to communicate clearly, knowledgeably and with compassion, to build trusted relationships
- A proactive and organised approach to managing tasks and meeting deadlines
- Confidence using feedback and data to improve service delivery
- Excellent administrative and IT ability
- A genuine passion for improving outcomes for children and young people
Given the complexity of SEND processes and the emotional impact they can have on families, there will be times when conversations require sensitivity and understanding. Experience in navigating difficult or emotionally charged situations with empathy and professionalism is essential.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit. An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children’s and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 8th February 2026 with interviews to follow.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
SEND Officer employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the SEND field on LinkedIn or at local events. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEND. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role. We want you to showcase your passion and knowledge!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the organisation! Understanding their values and recent initiatives will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our fantastic team!
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND: Make sure to highlight your genuine interest in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Share any relevant experiences or knowledge you have, and don’t shy away from expressing your commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
Communicate Clearly and Compassionately: Since the role involves building trusted relationships, it’s crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Use clear language in your application and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with others, especially in sensitive situations.
Be Organised and Proactive: We love a proactive approach! Showcase your organisational skills by detailing how you manage tasks and meet deadlines. Mention any tools or methods you use to stay on top of your work, as this will resonate well with us.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team and making a real difference in the SEND service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities legislation. Familiarise yourself with the key terms and concepts, as well as recent changes in the field. This will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've built trusted relationships in previous roles. Use specific anecdotes that highlight your empathy and ability to communicate clearly, especially in sensitive situations. This is crucial for a role that revolves around supporting children and families.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Prepare to discuss how you manage tasks and meet deadlines effectively. Bring examples of how you've used organisational skills in past roles to improve service delivery. This will help illustrate your proactive approach and ability to handle the demands of the SEND Officer position.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life scenarios related to SEND. Think about how you would navigate difficult conversations or emotionally charged situations. Practising these responses can help you convey your professionalism and readiness for the challenges of the role.
