We have an excellent opportunity for a SENDIASS Officer to join our SENDIASS Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a Permanent, 30 hours Term Time only basis.
As SENDIASS Officer, you will provide high-quality, legally accurate, impartial information, advice, and support to parents, carers, children, and young people aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, ensuring they understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to education, health, and social care services. You'll support families through the statutory assessment and EHC process, provide mediation and dispute resolution support, and assist with tribunal appeals.
This role requires strong relationship-building with local schools, colleges, local authority services, health services, and voluntary organisations, alongside effective collaboration across multi-agency partnerships. You'll maintain the confidential SENDIASS database, deliver training events for parents/carers and professionals, and promote the service locally through conferences, leaflets, social media, and the local offer.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a compassionate, resilient professional with experience working with children, young people, and parents, particularly in SEND, disability, and/or social inclusion, to join our team.
⭐Staff Benefits⭐
Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:
⭐Generous Annual Leave – 28 days annual leave, pro-rata (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
⭐Local Government Pension Scheme
⭐GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week
⭐Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
⭐Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
⭐Salary Sacrifice Schemes - Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes
⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
⭐Move through Menopause Course
⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more
⭐Learning & Development Opportunities
⭐Employee Networks
⭐And more!
Key Responsibilities
1. Provide free, confidential, and impartial advice to children and young people (up to age 25) and their parents regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN), disabilities, and related Health and Social Care issues.
2. Work primarily with parents, and occasionally directly with children and young people with special educational needs.
3. Support individuals in making informed decisions and resolving disagreements concerning their or their child's special educational needs.
4. Guide families through the entire SEND journey, from initial concerns about a potential need through to requesting and maintaining an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
5. Deliver support via multiple channels, including telephone, email, virtual meetings, and in-person attendance at meetings.
6. Conduct and deliver training sessions for parents.
7. Empower individuals to participate confidently in decisions about their education and care, ensuring their views are effectively heard alongside those of professionals.
Candidate Requirements
8. You will have the ability to work as part of a team as well as being able to work independently.
9. You will have excellent organisational skills and an ability to prioritise your work.
10. You will have the ability to remain calm and to respond sensitively to difficult situations.
11. Ideally you will have relevant experience in education or through giving support or advice to families or individuals. Knowledge of current SEND law is desirable, although not essential as training will be given.
Our Area:
Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money.
Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.
We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.
Click the link below and Apply Today!
Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Katharine Linford, Sendiass Manager, via Katharine.Linford@wokingham.gov.uk (Strictly no agencies).