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Starting salary for this role is £32,061 (pro rata for part-time colleagues)

This role sits within a well defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly #BeTheDifference at BCP.

Internal colleagues are also normally appointed at the bottom of the band, unless moving within the same profession and skill level, where the pay band is the same they can be appointed to the existing pay point.

Learn more in our ‘More than just a job’ brochure on our careers site.

SENDiass4BCP provide free, impartial, and confidential information, advice and support for children and young people (up to the age of 25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and their parents/carers, living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, the service is arms-length from the local authority.

We are looking to recruit a parttime 22hours per week, permanent Children and Young People Development Offcier to the team. The pay range for this role will be £32,061– £36,363 (pro rata for part time colleagues).

We’re looking forward to welcoming new colleagues under this refreshed framework of pay, terms, and conditions. To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band. This reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns with the approach taken with existing staff during the transition. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward-thinking team.

You can also find out more about the new terms and conditions that we are introducing on our careers site on, 'More than just a job' brochure

Role Purpose

To deliver quality information, advice and support to children and young people about education, health and social care for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and disabilities, to ensure that families and individuals are able to make informed decisions, and to promote independence and self-advocacy for children and young people. The role will operate under the direction and guidance of the SENDiass Manager.

To lead on the engagement and participation of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities across BCP in developing the Information, Advice and Support Service. Enable the views of children and young people, to contribute to wider SENDIAS service development and delivery across BCP.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• To develop processes, identify training needs and create opportunities to enable children and young people to participate successfully in the development of an effective SEND information, advice and support service.
• To identify and work with local and national groups/forums for children and young people, to ensure the views from across BCP are gathered and shared with relevant services.
• To engage with regional and national planning and training around the participation of children and YP and demonstrate working with other IASSs - to inform service development.
• To gather, record and report on children and young people’s views about service design and delivery which meets the needs of children and young people.
• To produce and share resources in a variety of formats (including online and through social media) that provide information and advice regarding rights, responsibilities and processes relating to SEND provision which are accessible to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and respond to individual communication needs.
• To provide accurate, confidential and impartial SEND information, advice and support to telephone, email and drop-in enquiries to young people and their parents or carers as required that promotes independence and self-advocacy.
• To plan and develop a rolling programme of opportunities for engaging and consulting with children and young people, which includes group and workshop activities.
• To provide advocacy support for individual children and young people, that empowers them to express their views and wishes and helps them to understand and exercise their rights in matters including exclusion, complaints, SEN processes, and SEND appeals. This may include situations where the young person’s views conflict with their parent/carers and others.
• To provide information, advice and support before, during and following a SEND Tribunal appeal in a range of different ways, dependent on the needs of the young person. This should include representation during the hearing if the YP is unable to do so..

The Ideal Candidate will have

• Qualification in a relevant subject area or equivalent experience, including IPSEA SEN Adviser's Legal Training Levels 1-3
• Knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and how these impact on a child or young person’s ability to access educational provision.
• Knowledge of the relevant legislation, frameworks, policies, and procedures relating to Special Educational Needs and safeguarding.
• Experience of working in Special Educational Needs, within a local authority, education setting or other associated discipline.
• Experience of providing information and advice services to children and/or young people.
• Ability to communicate effectively and develop relationships, using knowledge and expertise to provide advice, make recommendations, and cause understanding in others.
• Ability to plan and organise own workload working individually and as part of a team.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work.

We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.

From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need.

It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer please see here: Preparing for your interview | Working for BCP

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits

A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council

At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.

Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at Employee benefits | Working for BCP

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Basic DBS

BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check.