Location: Aylesbury
Overview
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)? Join our dedicated and friendly team at Buckinghamshire SENDIAS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support) Service. We are looking for a committed and empathetic individual to provide impartial advice and support to children, young people, and their families navigating the SEND system.
We have two vacancies available:
1x Full Time, Permanent
1x Full Time, Fixed Term/Secondment
About us
Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.
Buckinghamshire is an ambitious, rapidly growing county, and our economy is one of the strongest in the country. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and ranks as one of the top rural areas to live in the UK and yet it is incredibly well connected– only an hour from London on the train. The county has a rich history and heritage and is the birthplace of the international Paralympic movement.
We are looking for motivated, ambitious and inspiring people to join us on our journey. You will be entitled to a range of different benefits to make sure you are happy both at work and at home.
About the role
As a SENDIAS Adviser, you’ll be at the heart of our mission to empower families and young people by providing clear, confidential, and impartial information and advice. You will help them make informed decisions and get their views heard. You’ll respond to enquiries, support individuals through complex processes such as mediation and tribunals, and help promote positive dialogue between families, schools, and other services.
Your responsibilities will include:
1. Offering timely and impartial advice via phone, email, webchat and in-person.
2. Supporting families and young people through SEND processes, including appeals and mediation.
3. Promoting the service across the community and supporting volunteer development.
4. Staying up to date with relevant legislation and best practices.
5. Contributing to service planning and continuous improvement.
This role is based in Aylesbury, with occasional travel required. An enhanced DBS check and a full driving licence are essential.
About you
We’re looking for someone who is:
6. Experienced in working with parents, carers, and/or young people, ideally within the SEND or education sector.
7. Knowledgeable about SEND legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Equality Act 2010.
8. Adaptable – SEND legislation is likely to change in the near future. Our internal processes are continually evolving to provide service users with the help they need as soon as possible
9. Empathetic and resilient, with the ability to support families through emotionally challenging situations.
10. Organised and proactive, able to manage a varied, demanding workload and meet deadlines.
11. Collaborative, with excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with families and professionals alike.
12. Tech-savvy, proficient in using Microsoft Office and databases.
A relevant qualification (e.g. IPSEA Legal Training) is desirable, but not essential if you bring the right experience and attitude.