SEND Team Lead

We are looking for a SEND Team Lead who is a committed, flexible and proactive team player with a positive outlook to join our team. The role is based in Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk. You will join us on a full time, permanent. You will earn a competitive salary of £38,223 - £44,305 per annum (pro rata if part time)

• Post 1: Assessment Request and Education Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) Team
• Post 2: Annual Review Triage Team 

Your SEND Team Lead role:

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we’re driven to make a positive difference to Suffolk. That’s why, when you join us as a SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Team Lead, you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services. 

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.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced SEND 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.  

Responsibilities as our SEND Team Lead:

• provide direct operational management of the Assessment Request and EHCNA team or the Annual Review Triage team 
• contribute to the operational development of the SEND service, monitoring, tracking, and reviewing team performance 
• collaborate closely with partners across SEND including the Designated Social Care Officers (DSCOs) and Designated Clinical Officers (DCOs) in schools, to ensure information is shared and received in a timely manner and effective joint working 
• oversee the quality assurance of amending and writing plans from within the service and outsourced companies, ensuring Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are compliant, person centred, and reflective of all advice received 
• undertake staff supervision, performance management and professional development through performance and development reviews (PDRs)
• work with schools, professionals and families in relation to compliance to the SEND Code of practice
• maintain, develop and enhance relationships with SENCO’s/Education sector
• ensure the team maintain high quality and timely communication with families.

Overall, you will play a vital role in driving continuous improvement of SEND services through operational leadership and strategic input. 

What we're looking for in our SEND Team Lead:

• 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. 

Benefits you'll receive as our SEND Team Lead:

• 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!

About us

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.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 2 May 2024.

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this SEND Team 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 checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.