The role
About Southwark:
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises and we have a young, diverse and growing population.
At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.
About the role:
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of families with children and young people who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!
As a SIAS Adviser, you will be a crucial part of Southwark’s Information, Advice and Support (SIAS) team. Your role will involve empowering families by providing them with the necessary information and guidance to make informed decisions about their children’s education, health, and care. This full-time secondment position, available until March 31, 2025, offers the chance to manage a diverse caseload and assist with a range of issues, from EHCP applications and school exclusions to SEND tribunal appeals and more. Additionally, you will contribute to the development and upkeep of Southwark’s Local Offer website, ensuring residents have access to vital resources and services.
About You
We are looking for someone who is knowledgeable, empathetic, and committed to helping others. The ideal candidate will have:
- In-depth knowledge of legislation and guidance related to SEND, exclusions, and equality.
- Experience working with parents, carers, and young people from diverse backgrounds, understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals with SEND and their families.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, including active listening, empathy, and sensitivity, to foster positive relationships with families.
- A proactive approach to professional development, willing to undertake necessary training and development opportunities.
If you are ready to use your skills to create positive outcomes for families and young people in Southwark, apply now to join our dedicated team!
Additional details
For more information about the role, or an informal discussion, please contact Eleanor Howe - eleanor.howe@southwark.gov.uk
We will only consider applications from internal candidates, that are current employees or agency workers on an active assignment. We encourage any internal staff to to gain agreement from their substantive line manager if considering this is as a secondment opportunity.
This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) DBS check at enhanced level.
Benefits and more information:
In your role, we want you to feel supported, challenged and rewarded. You will benefit from our family-friendly policies including flexible working, home working, and a local government pension scheme, plus many other staff benefits. You will join a motivated, driven and supportive team that strives for excellence and values its members. You will also be part of a successful and high-achieving development team that is making a real difference to the lives of residents in the borough. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Staff Benefits page.
Recruitment timetable
- Advert closes 23rd June
- Shortlisting 24th June
- Interviews planned for 1st July
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
SWCINT
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 programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
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