This post is within the multi-professional Children and Young People Disability Service (CYPDS) in Windsor and Maidenhead which includes special educational needs, social care, occupational therapy (OT), family work and support functions such as the Local Offer and Short Breaks, working with children and young people with special educational needs and/or a disability (SEND) aged 0-25 years.
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
* 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (Or for term-time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract)
* Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
* Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
* Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
* A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
* A range of staff benefits and discounts
* An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway
About the role
This is an exceptional opportunity to take strategic and clinical ownership of the non-statutory services within the Children and Young People Disability Service (CYPDS), encompassing Respite Review, Family Work and Occupational Therapy.
You will be the key driver of strategic direction and service improvement, responsible for managing staff to deliver high-quality, responsive services rooted in holistic assessment and aligned with the Children and Families Act. A core component of this role involves proactive performance management, including rigorous data analysis, auditing, and quality assurance to drive better outcomes and ensure efficient budget management in the current financial climate.
This position demands a compassionate leader with experience managing teams supporting young people through highly complex situations, including grief, trauma, and end-of-life care. You will be vital in raising the aspirations of children and young people, ensuring early identification for Preparing for Adulthood (PfA), and securing the best use of public funds through meticulous financial assessments and collaboration across Health, SEN, and Finance panels. You will also monitor complex packages of support and ensure statutory reviews are carried out within timescales.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Christine Green:
About you
The successful candidate will be:
* Educated to Degree Level standard / NVQ Level 3 in childcare or equivalent
* Proven evidence of continuing professional development
* Experience of leading a team and working with children and young people with SEN/Disabilities and their families and of building and maintaining successful relationships with a range of influencers, including schools and proven ability to network, build relationships and influence others.
* Active commitment to innovation, including a willingness to challenge traditional ways of working and the development of services to value equality and diversity.
* Knowledge and understanding of legislation, statutory frameworks and policy affecting services for children, young people and families in relation to SEND, in particular a good understanding of the Children Act 1989 and the Children and Families Act 2014.
* A good knowledge of the local services available to children and young people with additional needs.
* Experience in the development of policy, procedures and the strategic plans for the whole service with a focus on respite review, family interventions and OT.
* Experience of managing budget preparation and monitoring process ensuring that budgetary control procedures are carried out.
* Experience of keeping and maintaining records (in accordance with local policy) and producing accurate reports, presentations, written updates to a range of stakeholders (which may include families, children or young people).
* A commitment to undertake relevant training and professional development to ensure knowledge, skills and understanding of matters relating to special educational needs/disability, inclusion and professional practice remains up to date.
* Experience of addressing specific equality or diversity issues within your practice with colleagues/service users and taking action to solve them.