At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families navigating the SEND system and advocate for children's needs.
- Company: Values-driven team dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, competitive salary, remote work, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Remote work with occasional travel; focus on work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while working collaboratively.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of SEND law and experience supporting families through EHCP processes.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
You will provide critical and vital support to parents/carers and young people to have their needs met.
This is a rewarding role supporting children, young people and their families to navigate the SEND system with confidence.
You will provide practical advice, advocacy and casework to help families secure the support their children are entitled to, while promoting positive, collaborative relationships with professionals wherever possible.
We are looking for someone who combines excellent knowledge of SEND law and processes with compassion, integrity and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
Everything we do is centred around children and young people.
We believe that lasting change comes from building bridges rather than creating conflict, supporting families to develop positive, sustainable relationships with schools, local authorities and other professionals.
We are a values-driven team who care deeply about the families we support.
We celebrate progress, advocate with integrity, and strive to empower parents and carers with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the SEND system long after our involvement has ended.
Work collaboratively with families, schools, local authorities and other professionals to secure the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
Support families through Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) drafting, annual reviews and amendments.
Advocate confidently and professionally on behalf of children, young people and their families.
Attend meetings with families, schools and local authorities, providing advice, support and representation where appropriate.
Apply a child-centred, solution-focused and non-judgemental approach in all aspects of your work.
Contribute positively to the development of our service and wider SEND community.
Strong working knowledge of SEND legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and relevant case law.
Experience supporting families through EHCP applications, annual reviews and SEND Tribunal processes.
Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality letters, submissions and case documentation.
Confident using Microsoft Office and other digital systems.
Experience working within or alongside local authorities, schools or other education settings.
Experience supporting children and young people with a range of SEND needs.
Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel occasionally (if applicable).
Passionate about improving the lives of children and young people with SEND.
Remote working, with occasional travel required to attend training, team meetings, conferences and other events in person.
Flexible, part-time hours.
Competitive salary dependent on experience.
Ongoing training and professional development.
This role is primarily worked during core business hours, Monday to Friday.
There will be occasions when working outside of core hours is required to meet the needs of families, manage caseload demands, attend meetings, or ensure statutory and legal deadlines are met.
We support flexible working wherever possible and appreciate the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance while delivering an excellent service to the families we support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Advocate in Derby
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like The SEND Collaborative, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at The SEND Collaborative. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through The SEND Collaborative's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Advocate in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at The SEND Collaborative. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at The SEND Collaborative.
How to prepare for a job interview at The SEND Collaborative
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with The SEND Collaborative.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Policy Advocate at The SEND Collaborative.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show The SEND Collaborative that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Policy Advocate role.
