Job Description

Role Purpose

The SEND Consultant will play a key role in providing direct, impartial information, advice, and support to families, children, and young people in navigating the SEND process. This includes designing and delivering intervention programs, advocating for individuals' rights and needs, and empowering them to build the skills and confidence to self-advocate. The practitioner will also support multi-agency collaboration to achieve the best outcomes for education, health, and care needs.

Key Responsibilities

Casework and Support

Act as the primary point of contact for families, schools, and other services. Provide tailored advice on SEND procedures, such as Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). Conduct assessments and design individualised support plans/Action plans in collaboration with families and professionals.

Intervention and Training

Deliver intervention programs to support social and emotional development. Facilitate group and one-on-one sessions for children, young people, and parents/carers. Provide training for parents and professionals on specialised approaches and communication strategies.

Collaboration and Advocacy

Represent families in meetings with schools, local authorities, and other agencies (where/if appropriate). Foster effective partnerships among stakeholders, keeping the individual's needs at the centre.

Monitoring and Reporting

Maintain accurate case records and contribute to monitoring reports. Evaluate project outcomes using tailored measurement tools.

Team Support

Mentor and supervise student social workers or volunteers. Support the recruitment and training of volunteers for service delivery.

Professional Development

Stay informed about SEND policies and practices through ongoing training. Uphold safeguarding and equality standards in all aspects of the role.

Qualifications and Skills

Essential:

Level 3 qualification in childcare, education, or a related field. Proven experience working with individuals with SEND and their families. Strong knowledge of SEND procedures, including EHCPs and statutory assessments. Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills. Proficiency in ICT tools and report writing. Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and safeguarding.

Desirable:

Experience in supervising or mentoring staff or students. Knowledge of local services in Walsall and Birmingham.

DUTIES:

Lead casework provision of the service Inform adults, parents, children, and young people of their rights regarding the SEND process Support navigation through the SEND assessment process Work with families and stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for education, health, and social care Supervise and manage student social work placements Ensure first-class service delivery for children, young people, adults, and families Support managers in developing, delivering, and reviewing planning and commissioning services Deliver intervention programs for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions Utilise a range of approaches linked to child development in service delivery Act as a key point of contact between settings, home, and services Carry out baseline assessments to establish support programs Signpost parents/carers to services Plan, deliver, and update support programs in partnership with parents/carers Design, model, and teach specialist approaches to parents/carers and staff Plan and deliver training based on the identified needs of individual children Organise and run groups with parents, carers, and other stakeholders including participants Design and implement transition programs between settings Advise and train on augmentative communication systems Attend and contribute to meetings and assessments Write reports and maintain records of work undertaken Develop and maintain learning resources for children and staff Maintain and develop knowledge of child development and relevant approaches Participate in continuing professional development and training Contribute to personal supervision and appraisal per guidelines Lead in providing information, support, and advice to service users Follow up on agreed actions with stakeholders Conduct outcome-focused casework and support service users Manage a caseload of complex families Supervise and mentor student social workers on placement Maintain positive relationships with stakeholders Plan support to empower families to advocate for themselves Deputise for the Project Manager when necessary Maintain accurate records of work using appropriate systems Ensure availability of qualitative and quantitative data for management Recruit and manage a cohort of volunteers Ensure compliance with safeguarding and welfare policies Promote inclusion and equal opportunities in practice Evidence organisational values in practice Comply with Health and Safety and Data Protection policies Promote and represent the organisation professionally Work flexibly to meet the needs of families
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: 19,656.00 per year

Benefits:

On-site parking
Schedule:

10 hour shift Monday to Friday
Experience:

family support work: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 28/03/2025