Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
Are you ready to make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Southend-on-Sea? Southend-on-Sea City Council is looking for a passionate and committed SENDIASS Officer to join the team on a part-time basis (22 hours per week worked over 3 days) for a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a rewarding opportunity where you will be acting as point of contact for those seeking information, advice, and guidance about their child’s (age 0-25) SEND journey.
In this varied role, you will provide tailored advice and support to families. You will do this at face-to-face meetings in nurseries, schools, colleges, support groups, training sessions and workshops across the city, and also provide advice via telephone and email. You will be supported with comprehensive training to build your knowledge of SEND legislation covering national and local policy, enabling you to offer informed and accurate information and guidance. You will take ownership of casework concerning children/young people with SEND aged 0–25, providing clear, practical advice and guidance about SEN Support in education (for those with or without EHC Plans), statutory assessments and processes, mediation, appeals, and tribunal processes to parent carers and in some cases to a young person directly.
Although this contract is offered on a hybrid basis, the successful candidate will be predominantly out and about visiting schools/colleges, community hubs, working from office and occasionally working from home.
Please note this is a term-time / part-time role – 22 hours over 3 days (Advertised salary will be pro rata).
What you’ll need to succeed
To succeed in this role, you’ll bring a strong understanding of SEND and a genuine passion for supporting families. Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and the Children and Families Act (2014) will be highly beneficial, alongside experience of SEND processes within an education setting or a Local Authority.
Previous successful experience of working relationships with parents, carers, and or pupils with SEN is essential for this role. Effective communication is vital as you will be liaising with parents/carers, young people, education settings and other agencies both verbally and in writing. Although your role will be one of impartiality, it is essential that you can work closely with other services to ensure the right support is identified & the best possible outcomes achieved for all children & young people with SEND.
Your application will not be considered without a full and clean driving license.
What you’ll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the “Why Work For Us?” tab.
What you need to do now
If you’re interested in this role, click ‘apply now’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV including a supporting letter outlining your suitability for the role.
If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here
Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
Southend-on-Sea city council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.
