Overview
We have a great opportunity for an Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) Officer on a part time permanent basis working 18.5 hours per week.
At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service.
About you
You will require detailed knowledge of relevant legislation contained in the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice. You will already have or be willing to undergo all online IPSEA legal training levels within 12 months of joining the service.
You will provide information about the legal framework, offer impartial advice tailored to individual circumstances and support individuals in expressing their views whether in writing, at meetings or during appeals. The role will mainly be home based but may include occasional face-to-face meetings to provide information and advice.
About the team
We are a small team who work closely together to make sure we are providing impartial, free, confidential information advice and support to parents, carers and young people in relation to special educational needs and disabilities. Sometimes the work is challenging, however, there is always time for finding creative solutions and every day is different.
You will work as part of a team who strive to offer their best professional advice and support. Our team have regular meetings to share concerns and find solutions.
Key responsibilities
* Provide over the phone and email (and very occasional face-to-face) impartial information, advice and support to children and young people with special educational needs/disability (SEND) and their parents and carers. The information/advice will cover a range of topics including SEN support in mainstream school; Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans and processes; appealing an EHC plan or local authority decision and exclusion / suspension from school and home to school transport.
* Signpost service users to different local and regional services, including the SEND Local Offer.
* Ongoing work with some individuals, empowering them with relevant information to help them to make informed decisions.
* Ongoing work for young people / parents wishing to register an appeal with the SEND Tribunal. Work could include information and advice throughout the appeal process and occasional impartial support to express views at a SEND Tribunal hearing
Interview date
Interviews will be held on 1st and 2nd December 2025.
Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.
We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.
Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.
Want to ask us a question?
For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:
Rachel.Simpson@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or Debi.Richardson@bracknell-forest.gov.uk - Senior IASS Officers.
Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre-employment checks process.
We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.
Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.
No agencies please.
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