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 with your line manager)

Base Location: Home-based, with expected travel for regular 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 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 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). We empower families to take an active role in their education, ensuring they are informed and supported every step of the way.

Your Role

We are looking for a passionate SENDIASS Support Worker to join our friendly team in Richmond and Kingston. If you have a background in special educational needs, disabilities, education, health, or social care, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one support to children and young people with SEND and their parents.
• Assist with common topics such as EHCP applications, SEND tribunals, attendance issues, and more.
• Help customers navigate documents, co-write applications, and attend meetings or mediation.
• Set clear expectations using ‘What to Expect’ eligibility criteria and outcomes documents.
• Advise on relevant SEND legislation and policy, including the Children and Families Act 2014.
• 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 to achieve positive outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of resources for the SENDIASS website and social media.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A qualification in SEND law or a willingness to pursue IPSEA SEN Law Training within the first year.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of Richmond and Kingston, including local communities and support networks.
• Experience in a leadership role, with the ability to manage complex conversations.
• Confidence in using Outlook, Microsoft packages, and databases.

Working Conditions & Benefits

We offer a supportive work environment with:

• 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.

At Polaris Children’s Services, we are committed 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 need to complete an enhanced DBS check, which will be covered by Polaris.

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