SEND Officer

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced SEND Officer to join our SEND Team, based in the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare. The SEND Team is responsible for ensuring that the Local Authority's statutory duties towards individual children and young people with SEND are met.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess and address the needs of children and young people by developing and managing Education Health Care Plans, overseeing a complex caseload.
• Act as the main point of contact for an assigned area or caseload, offering a responsive and supportive service to children, families, schools, and service providers.
• Handle complex cases directly, contributing to service improvements within an integrated service plan.
• Provide targeted support and advice as specified in Education Health Care Plans, ensuring interventions are implemented to meet professional standards.
• Develop services related to SEND legislation, focusing on outcomes aligned with the overall service plan.
• Support tribunal and funding processes as required.
• Collaborate with SEN officers and caseworkers to enhance service standards.
• Partner with service users and agencies to deliver multi-agency services, fostering clear communication and understanding between professionals.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Relevant Qualification or Experience: Degree-level vocational qualification or equivalent experience related to the service user group, providing essential knowledge for the role.
• Approved Professional Qualification: Relevant to the area of work, with practical experience that builds technical skills and a thorough understanding of services, legal responsibilities, and work practices.
• Knowledge of SEND Code of Practice: Familiarity with the guidelines and standards for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
• Supervisory Experience: Demonstrated experience in overseeing and guiding others' work.
• Analytical and Decision-Making Skills: Ability to assess work processes and make improvements.
• Understanding of Safeguarding Protocols: Knowledge of safeguarding practices and thresholds, with the ability to investigate and address potential concerns.
• Effective Communication and Engagement: Ability to work collaboratively with service users and partner agencies, upholding values such as dignity and respect.
• Organisational Skills: Ability to manage personal workload and coordinate tasks for others to meet deadlines.
• Professional Boundaries: Clear understanding and respect for professional and personal boundaries.
• Driving Requirement: Full UK driving licence with access to a personal vehicle for work, or ability to arrange suitable travel alternatives.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet .

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Dawn Hedges, Senior SEND Inclusion Officer, at dawn.hedges@n-somerset.gov.uk or Mandy Plumridge, SEND Manager, at mandy.plumridge@n-somerset.gov.uk .

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Anticipated Interview Date: Tuesday 3 rd December 2024.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.