At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND services and improve outcomes for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking local authority committed to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for strategic influence and service improvement.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on children and families while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in SEND and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Hackney, London (Hybrid Working)
Salary: Competitive (Grade PO9)
We Do Social Work is delighted to be recruiting on behalf of our local authority partner for an experienced SEND Operations Lead. This is an exciting leadership opportunity for an experienced SEND professional who is passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
As a key member of the SEND leadership team, you will oversee the operational delivery of statutory SEND services, ensuring legal compliance, high-quality Education, Health and Care (EHC) processes, and outstanding support for children, young people and their families. This is a hybrid position, offering flexibility alongside the opportunity to make a real impact within a forward-thinking local authority.
The Role
- Lead and manage the operational delivery of SEND services and the EHC assessment and planning process.
- Ensure statutory timescales are achieved while maintaining high-quality EHC Plans.
- Oversee specialist placements and High Needs funding to ensure children receive appropriate educational provision.
- Provide strategic leadership to a multidisciplinary SEND team.
- Work collaboratively with schools, health professionals, families, commissioners and partner agencies.
- Lead on service improvement, quality assurance and operational performance.
- Provide expert advice on complex cases, tribunals and statutory compliance.
- Monitor budgets and contribute to effective resource management across the service.
About You
- We're looking for an experienced SEND leader who can demonstrate significant leadership experience within SEND services.
- Extensive knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and associated legislation.
- Experience managing statutory SEND processes and EHC services.
- Strong people management and leadership skills.
- Experience working collaboratively with schools, families, health partners and external agencies.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving and organisational skills.
- The ability to lead change and continuously improve service delivery.
- A degree-level qualification or substantial equivalent SEND experience is essential, alongside ongoing professional development.
Why Apply?
- Join a highly regarded local authority SEND service.
- Lead a large, experienced operational team.
- Influence strategic improvements across SEND provision.
- Make a lasting difference to children, young people and families.
- Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid working arrangement.
- Access ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.
If you're an experienced SEND leader looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today through We Do Social Work or contact our specialist recruitment team for a confidential discussion about the role.
SEND Operations Lead employer: We Do Social Work
We Do Social Work is an excellent employer located in Altrincham, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where employees can thrive. With a focus on professional development and career progression, this role provides a unique opportunity to engage in diverse tasks while contributing to a growing specialist recruitment agency dedicated to making a difference in the public sector. Join us to build your skills and be part of a team that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Operations Lead
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at We Do Social Work.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from We Do Social Work!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like We Do Social Work, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at We Do Social Work or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Operations Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to We Do Social Work:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to We Do Social Work! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at We Do Social Work
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
