SENDIASS Support Worker
Join Our Team as a SENDIASS Support Worker!
Salary: £19,882.12 (actual pro-rated salary) / £23,195.81 (FTE)
Contract: Part Time, Permanent
Hours: 30 hours per week (working pattern to be negotiated with your line manager)
Base Location: Home-based
Travel: Regular meetings within Hampshire
Why Work With Us?
At Polaris, we are proud to be one of the UK's largest 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 contracts. Our nurturing community is committed to achieving the best outcomes for every child in our care, and we believe in the potential of our children, families, and staff.
About Hampshire SENDIASS
The Hampshire SENDIASS team is part of the Children's Services branch of Polaris. We provide 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
As a SENDIASS Support Worker, you will be an essential part of our friendly team in Hampshire. You will provide confidential, one-on-one support to customers navigating the complexities of SEND. Your professional and approachable demeanor will help families feel empowered and informed.
Key Responsibilities
- Support a caseload of children and young people with SEND and their parents.
- Assist with common topics such as EHCP applications, SEND tribunals, and social care provision.
- Explain documents, help write applications, and attend meetings with customers.
- Advocate for customers during the SENDIST appeal process.
- Utilize eligibility criteria to clarify your role and the support provided.
- Refer to relevant SEND legislation and policy when offering advice.
- Identify barriers and advocate for necessary support services.
- Encourage self-advocacy among children, young people, and parents.
- Maintain accurate records of advice and support provided.
- Contribute to the development of resources for our SENDIASS website and social media.
What We’re Looking For
We seek a candidate who has:
- Relevant professional or personal experience in special educational needs, disabilities, education, health, or social care.
- A qualification in SEND law or a willingness to pursue IPSEA SEN Law Training within the first year.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience in a leadership role with the ability to manage complex conversations.
- Confidence in using Microsoft Office applications and databases.
- A full UK driving licence and access to your own car.
Working Conditions & Benefits
We value our employees and offer a range of benefits, including:
- 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.
Note: Benefits will be pro-rated for part-time employees.
Join Us in Making a Difference!
At Polaris Children's Services, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, which will be covered by Polaris Children's Services.
We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates. If you’re ready to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families, we’d love to hear from you!
