The Role
Are you passionate about creating meaningful change and supporting young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in their journey towards employment and independence?
If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Our Children & Families service and looking to recruit a dynamic and strategic leader to join our team as our Commissioning Progression and Employment Strategic SEND Lead. Please note that this is a 3 year fixed term contract/secondment opportunity.
If you are ready to make a difference and lead impactful change for young people with SEND, we encourage you to apply!
About us:
Southwark’s Children’s and Adults Services consistently receive a "Good" rating from Ofsted in all areas.
We aim to build on our excellent practices by creating opportunities to co-develop services and support with key stakeholders and families, ensuring impactful results from the earliest stages. Southwark Council is a fantastic organisation to work for, investing in both its residents and staff.
About the role:
In this pivotal role, you will drive forward key initiatives that enhance planning, progression and commissioning processes, with a strong focus on employment pathways and suitable alternatives for young people aged 11-25.
As the SEND Strategic Lead, you will manage complex interdepartmental projects, lead the employment forum and work closely with key stakeholders to deliver on the strategic objectives of our SEND Strategy and will be responsible for delivering significant savings to meet Southwark's Safety Valve by driving performance and best value within the market.
Your work will be crucial in achieving measurable improvements in outcomes, ensuring that young people with SEND have the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
About you:
We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated individual with a deep understanding of project and programme management within a large public or voluntary sector organisation. You will have:
- A proven track record of developing and delivering significant service improvement projects, particularly those that support vulnerable groups.
- Experience in managing change, staff development and resource management, as well as the ability to navigate complex political environments.
- Excellent communication skills, as you will be engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local residents, voluntary and community sector partners and government bodies.
- The ability to think creatively, analyse complex data and develop effective working relationships will be key to your success in this role.
To be considered for interview, your CV and supporting statement will clearly evidence:
- Extensive experience in leading significant service improvement projects, particularly within the public or voluntary sector.
- Strong knowledge of project and programme management, with a focus on delivering improvements in SEND services.
- Proven ability to manage change, including staff development and resource management.
- Experience working in a complex political environment and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and effectively.
- A deep commitment to equalities and diversity, with an understanding of their application in service delivery.
In return for your hard work, we offer:
- Up to £69,990 per annum (subject to experience)
- Opportunities to develop and implement innovative practices.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- Career progression prospects.
- The chance to work with a supportive and collaborative team.
- The ability to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people.
- A challenging role ideal for an experienced officer seeking new challenges.
For more information on our benefits, see the link here - https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/
Want to know more?
Please see the Job Profile & Person Specification located at the bottom of the advert, or contact the Assistant Director for SEND, Anna Chiva via email at Anna.Chiva@southwark.gov.uk for an informal chat about your suitability for the position.
Recruitment timetable:
Advert closing date: 11:59pm on Sunday 15th September 2024
Shortlisting date/s: week commencing 16th September 2024
Interview date/s: week commencing 30th September 2024
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Guaranteed interview scheme:
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
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