SEND Participation Officer

at  Southwark Council

Additional details
This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) DBS check at Enhanced level.

IN RETURN FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION, WE OFFER:

• Up to £50,088 per annum (subject to experience)
• Opportunities to develop and implement innovative practices
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Career progression prospects
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• The chance to make a lasting impact on young people’s lives
  About You

We are looking for someone who is passionate about championing the rights of children and young people with SEND. To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field
• Extensive knowledge of key legislation, such as the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice
• Proven experience in engaging and working with young people with SEND, their families, and other professionals
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• The ability to think creatively, solve problems, and drive positive changes in the services we provide

If you are ready to take on a new challenge and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people with SEND, we want to hear from you!
Apply now and be a part of a team that is dedicated to creating a brighter future for all children and young people in Southwark.
Recruitment timetable

ABOUT THE ROLE

As the SEND Participation Officer, you will play a crucial role in planning and coordinating advocacy, participation, and access to council services. Your responsibilities will include leading the SEND Strategy Safety Valve Program, managing SEND Service communication, and coordinating engagement and co-production activities with children, young people, and their families.
Working closely with our Assistant Director for SEND, you will establish a SEND Forum for young people, ensuring their voices are represented in regular updates to the SEND Partnership Board. Additionally, you will oversee and mentor other officers, including young people with additional needs in work placements, graduate trainees, apprentices, and students.
In this dynamic position, you will have the opportunity to shape policies, develop strategies for participation, and drive innovative practices that put young people and their families at the heart of our services.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about championing the rights of children and young people with SEND. To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field
• Extensive knowledge of key legislation, such as the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice
• Proven experience in engaging and working with young people with SEND, their families, and other professionals
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• The ability to think creatively, solve problems, and drive positive changes in the services we provid

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health conditio