SENDIASS Support Worker

Join Our Team as a SENDIASS Support Worker!

Salary: £23,857.60 pro rata, £26,936 FTE
Contract: Part Time, 12-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover)
Hours: 31 hours per week (working pattern to be negotiated)
Base Location: Home-based with travel to meetings in Richmond and Kingston

Why Work With Us?

At Polaris, we are proud to be one of the UK's leading communities of children's services providers. For over 30 years, we have been dedicated to improving the lives of young people through our independent fostering and adoption agencies, leaving care services, education, and bespoke children's services.

Our nurturing community is committed to achieving the best outcomes for every child in our care. We believe in the potential of our children, families, and staff, and we are ambitious for their futures.

About PCS SENDIASS

Our SENDIASS services are an integral part of Polaris, providing timely, confidential, and impartial information, advice, and support for parents, carers, children, and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). Our mission is to empower families to take an active and informed role in their education.

Your Role

We are seeking a passionate SENDIASS Support Worker to join our friendly team in Richmond and Kingston. In this role, you will provide confidential, one-on-one support to families navigating the complexities of SEND.

Key Responsibilities

• Support a caseload of children and young people with SEND and their parents.
• Assist with EHCP applications, SEND tribunals, attendance issues, and more.
• Explain documents, co-write applications, and attend meetings with customers.
• Help customers understand the boundaries of your support using 'What to Expect' documents.
• Provide advice based on relevant SEND legislation and policy.
• Identify barriers customers face and advocate for necessary support services.
• Encourage self-advocacy among children, young people, and parents.
• Work at least one advice shift per week, responding to helpline inquiries.
• Maintain accurate records of advice and support provided.
• Build professional relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of resources for our SENDIASS website and social media.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will have:

• A qualification in SEND law or a willingness to pursue IPSEA SEN Law Training within the first year.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A strong understanding of the London Boroughs of Richmond and Kingston.
• Experience in a leadership role and the ability to manage complex conversations.
• Confidence in using Outlook, Microsoft packages, and databases.

Working Conditions

We are committed to creating a supportive and flexible work environment. You will have the opportunity to work from home while also engaging with the community through regular meetings.

Benefits of Joining Us

• 30 days of annual leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service.
• Bank Holidays.
• Company Pension.
• Life Assurance (x2).
• Employee Discount Scheme.
• Medical Cash Plan.
• Pro rata benefits.

Polaris Children's Services is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will undergo an enhanced DBS check, with costs covered by Polaris Children's Services.

We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates. Join us in making a difference!