SENDIASS Adviser
Job Title: SENDIASS Adviser
Location: Based at County Hall, Hertford (blended working arrangements)
Starting Salary: £35,745 progressing to £39,186 pa
Hours: 37 per week
Contract: Permanent
Diversity: We are an inclusive employer and value a diverse workforce
Job Duties:
Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, have great knowledge SEND knowledge and experience in leading and motivating a small team?
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen to join a dynamic team as an Adviser within the Hertfordshire Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).
SENDIASS is a statutory service providing free, confidential, and impartial information, advice and support on matters related to special educational needs and disability (SEND). This offer is for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND up to 25 years and the children and young people themselves.
Main areas of responsibility:
- Supervise, develop and support a small team to ensure that consistent, high quality information advice and support is delivered to children, young people, and their parents, in accordance with national minimum standards.
- Support the delivery of the Duty function of the service, managing workflow and demand
- Manage and oversee a complex caseload, including preparing for and attending tribunal hearings, and supporting families through various complaint procedures
- Use skills, knowledge and experience to resolve disputes and disagreements at the earliest opportunity for the best outcomes for the child or young person
- Facilitate regular case management sessions, supporting staff to help families identify ways forward
- Utilise coaching skills to facilitate development conversations with staff and support them through development and performance processes
The work of the Adviser is fast-paced and varied. We are looking for someone who is able to use their specialist skills and knowledge to help families with a range of needs whilst also supporting a small team to deliver various elements of the service within specific timeframes.
We’ll need you to have a proven track record of:
- Relevant experience of working in or aligned to SEND services and managing a complex caseload
- Up to date knowledge of the legislation and regulations for all aspects for SEND education provision, social care and health
- Building and maintaining relationships with a wide variety of professional stakeholders
- Excellent organisation skills including an ability to work unsupervised, systematically and an ability to manage constraints and conflicting demands and work to tight deadlines
- Experience supervising and managing a small team
Additional Information
The post holder will need to hold a driving license and access to a car for work as there will be meetings out in the community and in people’s homes.
If you feel you have a passion for supporting families to navigate the SEND system, we would love to hear from you!
Closing Date: 26th November 2023
Interview Date: 5th and 6th December 2023
For an informal discussion and more information please contact: : Keziah Green – keziah.green2@hertssendiass.org.uk
Benefits of working for us:
• Flexible Working Arrangements (depending on the role)
• Excellent Career Development
• Salary Exchange for Additional Benefits
• Excellent Pension Scheme with Employer Contributions
• Shopping Discounts
• Support Groups & Wellbeing Schemes
Disability Confident: We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
English Fluency: The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.
Safeguarding: Safeguarding children and adults is of utmost importance to Hertfordshire County Council. The Council requires employees to abide by legislation and best practice to enable Hertfordshire to achieve this. This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. For more information Click Here
CS Roles Only: We expect all Children Services employees to fulfil Hertfordshire's Professional Promise for how children, young people & young adults with special educational needs and / or disabilities and their families should be treated. It is our agreement to place families and children at the centre of what we do, and helps parents and carers to understand and be able to hold us to account for how we provide our services. For further information please visit: ‘Professional Promise’
How to Apply
As part of the application, you will be required to upload your most recent CV ensuring gaps in employment have been addressed and asked to answer the 4 key questions which are located at the end of the advert and a template can be found in the 'Available Documents'.
1. Describe how you have worked in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders to improve outcomes for children, young people with SEND and their families.
2. Explain how you have worked as part of a team to deliver a service - what do you believe are the most important aspects of leading a team?
3. How can you demonstrate that you have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to manage complex and challenging situations as well as demands?
4. Outline your experience of supervising and mentoring team members to improve practice and manage complex cases.
If you do not provide answers to the questions and upload to your application, your application will be rejected.