Job Description

Organisation

Southampton City Council

Service Area

Education

Job Location

Civic Centre

Contract Length

Permanent

Work Hours

Full time 37 hours per week

Salary

37,280 to 40,778 per annum

Special Requirements

Enhanced DBS Check required

Closing Date

15/10/2025

Job Reference

16036
and Person Specification
We saw that social care reform was coming, and we acted. We transformed our service, restructured our teams, changed how we work with each other and our partners, and we improved.



We believe one simple thing: that everyday counts and everyone matters.



Over the last couple of years, we've been on a journey that has seen Ofsted has our Children's Services as 'Good' with 'Outstanding Leadership', and more recently has inspected our SEND provision (Area full SEND inspection) and how we work with partner agencies (Joint Target Area Inspection). In every inspection Ofsted has recognised our commitment and dedication to delivering the best outcomes for children, young people and families.



But we're ambitious for our children and young people, so our journey continues.



We have an newopportunity for a

Locality Officer for SEND

to join Southampton City Council (SCC). This opportunity is part of the Children's Social Care (CSC) reform, and the role will be in the SEND Service within the Education Team.

About the Team:

The Locality Officer for SEND will be part of the SEND Service and the Neuro-Divergence Multi-Disciplinary Team (ND MDT). This team is dedicated to supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), working collaboratively with NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board and Southampton City Council to transform support for neurodivergent children and young people.

About the Role:

We are seeking a proactive and experienced individual to act as a key link between Education and Children's Social Care (CSC) services, supporting children and young people with SEND and their families across Southampton's East, Central, and West localities. The role focuses on early intervention, reducing pressure on statutory services, and promoting positive outcomes through partnership working.

Key responsibilities include:

Acting as a liaison between Education and CSC services in relation to SEND. Providing early intervention and support for children and families awaiting specialist input. Promoting inclusive practices and multi-agency collaboration across education settings. Supporting the ND MDT by contributing to profiling, training, and family navigation. Attending CSC locality team meetings and supporting multi-agency collaboration. Delivering training and awareness sessions on SEND and neurodiversity practices. Supporting professionals with referrals, signposting, and navigating SEND and ND pathways. Maintaining accurate records and reports in line with council policies and data protection. Participating in strategic planning, service development, and continuous improvement activities.

About You

:


Successful experience in more than one setting working with children/young people and/or families. Relevant knowledge and understanding of neurodiversity, including strategies to support neurodivergent individuals. Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and Ordinarily Available Provision requirements. Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and child protection issues. Proven communication skills, both oral and written, including report writing and presentation skills. Effective problem-solving and analytical skills. Experience of providing services to children and/or families with complex needs. Experience of using mediation/negotiation skills to achieve positive outcomes. Good knowledge of parenting strategies, child development, attachment, and play. Ability to use own initiative and work both independently and as part of a team. Excellent IT literacy, including MS Office and digital user platforms. Willingness to travel and work from locations outside normal work base as required. Commitment to personal development and continuous professional development.

Desirable: Level 3 qualification (BTEC, NVQ or equivalent) in Health, Social Care, Early Years.

What We Can Offer You

Salary: The salary band for this role is 37,280 - 40,778. The

starting salary is 37,280

with annual progression through the salary bands.



Here at SCC we have a range of different perks and benefits, a few examples can be found below.


Excellent local government pension with 16.8% employer contribution Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution) Generous holiday 25-31 days, based on role and service Flexible working options (role-dependent) Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents Training and development, including coaching and mentoring Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer

F

or further information on our benefits package please visit:

Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk)

Please note:

We are not able to offer Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship on this role, at this time.

Contact Details for Informal Discussion

For further information and details regarding the Locality Officer for SEND role, please contact Daniel Beck (Strategic Lead SEND) at Daniel.Beck@Southampton.gov.uk

Recruitment Contact Details

Email: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk

Tel: 023 8083 4033



For more information about this campaign please visit: Southampton's social care reform journey



For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council



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