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, with a flexible working pattern 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, education services, and bespoke children's services contracts. 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 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 and Responsibilities

As a SENDIASS Support Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting children and young people with SEND. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing one-on-one support to a caseload of children and young people with SEND and their parents.
• Assisting with common topics such as EHCP applications, SEND tribunals, attendance issues, and social care provision.
• Explaining documents and supporting customers in writing applications and attending meetings.
• Advocating for customers during the SENDIST appeal process.
• Identifying barriers and advocating for necessary support services.
• Maintaining accurate records of advice and support provided.
• Contributing to the development of resources for our SENDIASS website and social media.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a passionate individual with the following qualifications:

• A qualification in SEND law or a willingness to pursue IPSEA SEN Law Training at Levels 1, 2, and 3 within your first year.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in a leadership position, with a calm yet assertive approach to managing complex conversations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and other Office applications.
• A full UK driving licence and access to your own car.

Working Conditions and 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 scheme.
• 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 and eligible candidates. If you are ready to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families, we would love to hear from you!