Suffolk County Council are looking for SEND Family Services Lead to join our team. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 37 hours per week. The successful candidate will earn a competitive salary of £39,513 per annum (pro rata for part time).
- Suffolk County Council - Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX and Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3YU - Hybrid
- £39,513 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Post 1 - Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX
- Posts 2-4 - West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds IP33 3YU
- Permanent
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 Family Services 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 Family Services Lead 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 or 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
- 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.
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
The team
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) team works closely with families, schools, and other professionals to assess children's needs and develop Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
We work alongside; Special Education Services, SEND Funding and Provider Services and Educational Psychology and Therapeutic Services, Social Care and Health and we are all dedicated to helping children and young people achieve their individual outcomes.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 23 April 2025
Please note: If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an Assessment Day. This will take place on 2 May 2025.
If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this SEND Family Services Lead ???role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
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.