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SEND Practice Lead

Job details
Posting date: 19 April 2024
Salary: £38,000 per year
Hours: Full time
Closing date: 02 May 2024
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX
Company: Suffolk County Council
Job type: Permanent
Job reference: 14798

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Summary

- Suffolk County Council - Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
- £38,223 - £44,305 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week
- Permanent
- 2 positions available

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we are driven to make a positive difference to Suffolk. That’s why, when you join us as a SEND Practice Lead, you will be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Suffolk County Council has pledged its commitment to improve services for Children and Young People with SEND and features in the Suffolk corporate strategy as a key priority for Suffolk major programmes. Our plans and priorities - Suffolk County Council
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced SEND Practitioner to join our children’s services as we make significant investments in our SEND services including the recent 3.4 million investment in staffing as part of our commitment to improve the experiences of children, young people with SEND and their families.

Your role and responsibilities
You will:
- provide advice and training to support good practice on an ongoing basis and as part of the initial staff training/induction process
- “troubleshoot” and provide support and advice to casework teams to resolve disputes and identify solutions to problems
- directly support with complex casework, where a higher level of oversight is required
- investigate and respond to service complaints
- provide responses for enquiries received by Councillors, Members of Parliament of Senior leaders
- collate information regarding identified areas for service improvement and contribute to action plans to address these areas
- undertake dispute resolution and mediation procedures, when required
- collate evidence to support responses to enquiries from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, when required.
Overall, you will play a vital role in driving continuous improvement of SEND services through operational leadership and strategic input.

You will need
- a passion for improving the lives of children, young people and families in Suffolk
- comprehensive knowledge of SEND legislation, policies and safeguarding practices
- SEND experience
- experience of multi-agency working within social care, health and education
- the ability to inspire, empower and develop a high-performing team
- strong financial, risk and performance management capabilities.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP). If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply.

We will offer you:
- the chance to play a key role in improving our SEND services in Suffolk as we make significant investments
- experience shaping strategy and leading service development in a critical area
- opportunities for continued professional development and career progression
- the chance to be part of a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive team environment all working towards the same goal.

Empowering Everyone
We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We aim to include all communities we serve in our representation. To achieve this, we encourage applications from everyone.

For more information
For more information for an informal discussion about this role, please contact Wendy Allen (she/her) on (01473) 260478 or email: wendy.allen@suffolk.gov.uk

How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
1. Describe a situation where you had to lead on service improvement initiatives based on feedback from children, young people and families. How did you collaborate with the SEND teams to develop and implement effective action plans?
2. Describe a time when you had to investigate and respond to a complaint or enquiry from a family about the SEND service. How did you use your knowledge of the relevant legislation, regulations and guidance to provide an effective resolution?
3. Tell us about a time when you had to supervise and support SEND practitioners. How did you use your leadership skills to motivate the team and drive improvements in practice?
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or: recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk

Closing date: 11.30pm, 2 May 2024.

Promoted as JOTW (Job of the Week) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:


up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
plus more!


If you would like to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Working for Suffolk County Council pages (www.Suffolk.gov.uk/careers).

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