Head Of Service Send

Head of Service SEND

Reference number: SC06456

Location: London

Schedule: Full-Time

Salary Range: £65,736 - £82,023

Contract Type: Permanent

The Role:

2024 is your time for change and revolution be a key member of Southwark’s Children and Adults Services as our first SEND Head of Service!

Southwark Children’s Services are at point of exciting transition and transformation as Education and Children Social Care report on one Director of Children Services. This recent change creates real opportunity to co-produce services for Southwark Children and Young People, which place children in the centre of our decision-making.

Southwark’s Children’s and Adults Services consistently earn Ofsted's Good rating in all areas. To build upon the excellent practice that exists, creating opportunities to co-develop with key stakeholders and family's provision and support, which will make a difference at the earliest stages. Southwark Council is brilliant organisation to work for which invests in its residents and staff group.

Join our team as the Head of Service SEND and become an integral part of our innovation and improvement journey, working strategically to develop inclusive provision and practice in Southwark.

About Southwark:

We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises and we have a young, diverse, and growing population.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities.  Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.

About You:

The post holder will support the Assistant Director SEND in service development and a range of strategic activities. They will manage the casework teams, the assessment team, the administration function of the service, alongside overseeing tribunals, complaints and Members Enquiries for the SEND Team. The Head of Service will take operational responsibility for the day to day management SEND Team. The post holder will take a lead role in working in partnership with schools, colleges, parents and health partners in Southwark.

Reasons to Apply:

• Developing and implementing innovative practice.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Work with a supportive and collaborative team.
• Make a lasting impact on the lives of young people.
• Ideal for experienced HOS wanting a new challenge, Deputy Managers or Team Leaders seeking career development.

Benefits and more information:

In your role, we want you to feel supported, challenged and rewarded. You will benefit from our family-friendly policies including flexible working, home working, and a local government pension scheme, plus many other staff benefits. You will join a motivated, driven and supportive team that strives for excellence and values its members. You will also be part of a successful and high-achieving development team that is making a real difference to the lives of residents in the borough.

Our offer includes:

• A systemic framework of Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) management practice.
• A vibrant place and Service to work with and a diverse community.
• Strong commitment to partnership working with our Local Authority colleagues.
• Commitment to Personal Development.

For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Staff Benefits page.

This role qualifies for a JNC benefits package.

Recruitment timetable

Application closing date: 11.59pm on 7 April 2024.

Interview date: 18 April 2024.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care.
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.

Attachments:

• Please click here for the job description and person specification