PERSON SPECIFICATION NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS 1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant. 2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise. 3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below. 4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. 5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role. 6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria. Section 1 - Essential Criteria The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/ Experience Be a qualified teacher recognised by the Department of Education (NI) or hold a degree or an equivalent relevant professional qualification (e.g. medical, legal or social work related) and have three years’ experience in working in a professional capacity where service delivery and team and staff management is a core aspect of the work; or have five years’ experience in working in a professional capacity where service delivery and team and staff management is a core aspect of the work. Shortlisting by Application Form Skills/ Abilities Ability to develop collaborative processes in liaison with colleagues in Health and Social Care Trusts in line with the Duty to Co-operate. Shortlisting by Application Form Knowledge Demonstrable knowledge of current developments in Children and Young Peoples Services/Statutory Assessment & Review Service to include key areas of legislative change in relation to CYPS. Shortlisting by Application Form Other The successful candidate will be required: to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion; OR be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion. Shortlisting by Application Form S ection 2 - Essential Criteria The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Knowledge Knowledge of DE guidance and statutory frameworks as they apply to this area. Knowledge of how to motivate and develop staff to achieve good employee relations. Demonstrable knowledge of specific strategies and methods for capacity building, assessment, support and intervention for schools. Interview/Presentation Skills/ Abilities In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of: Demonstrate ability to work within a multi-disciplinary approach to achieve positive outcomes for Children and Young People. Proven ability to achieve targets and objectives within a demanding and pressurised environment against challenging deadlines and through engaging team members. Ability to put processes in place to evaluate the effectiveness of new processes under SEND implementation and associated frameworks. Interview/Presentation Values Orientation Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here. Interview/Presentation Section 3 - Desirable Criteria Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications Hold a bachelor’s degree (QCF Level 6) or an equivalent or higher qualification in teaching. Shortlisting by Application Form Our Values Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential. DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage. Further information can be accessed on www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/accessni-criminal-record-checks or www.justice-ni.gov.uk/articles/about-accessni APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here. To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here. The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer JOB DESCRIPTION REPORTS TO\: Senior Adviser, Statutory Assessment & Review Service, CYPS RESPONSIBLE FOR: The SEN Area Lead will be responsible for leading and managing all aspects of Statutory Assessment process within a geographic area, including the management of staff. JOB PURPOSE The SEN Area lead for SARS will: Assist the Head of SARS as required in the operational leadership and management of planning, quality and support service function for the statutory assessment process across the EA. Establish, manage, review and implement effective systems to monitor, measure, control and report on the work of the SARS; Support the Head of SARS in ensuring that service delivery is focussed on meeting the needs of children and young people through provision of equal access to excellent services. Have delegated responsibility under the direction of the Head of SARS both for operational aspects of the SARS budget as appropriate and for management of a cohort of staff within a geographic area of the Service; Through the management and promotion of the regional framework for the SARS, assure quality across the Authority; Assist the Head of SARS in ensuring compliance with all aspects of DE guidance as they apply to this service area; Assist the Head of SARS in ensuring that the SARS is compliant, where appropriate, with the Duty to Co-operate under the Children’s Services’ Co-operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 and SEND Act (NI) 2016; Be required to engage with other professionals and agencies as well as work co-jointly with other managers across the CYPS Directorate and in other Directorates so that consistent and cohesive service delivery is sustained; Report directly to the Head of SARS or other senior nominated Officers in CYPS directorate as required. Manage and be responsible for the overall administrative arrangements for the service, ensuring the co-ordination of administrative arrangements across the Directorate through collaborative working; Promote efficiency and effectiveness throughout the service; lead and manage the activities of the SARS through the area teams and non-managerial support. The post holder will be expected to make an important contribution to the development and implementation of service specific targets relating to the Business Plan at Service, Directorate and ultimately corporate level; MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES STRATEGIC PLANNING & POLICY INFLUENCE The post-holder will be expected to: Have dedicated responsibility for the management of an area team; Work with senior colleagues in Children and Young People Services to ensure the consistent and strategic implementation of EA and DE policies in relation to the SEN; Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive service development plan, translating corporate and strategic objectives into time bound targets and intended outcomes within an Outcomes Based Accountability framework; Ensure that agreed Service priorities are implemented for the direction of the work and that this is understood and communicated to the relevant SARS staff; Under the direction and guidance of the Head of SARS, assist in devising and implementing effective systems to monitor, measure, control and report on the work of the service to take account of changes in the internal and external environments which may impact on and influence priorities and needs; Provide reports as required to inform service policy and strategic direction using formative and summative information which will guide planning and service delivery in relation to the statutory assessment process; Monitor and ensure delivery of a quality earmarked funded provision in line with the requirements of DE policy; Facilitate regular meetings to report to and update the Senior Adviser. CORPORATE LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT The post-holder will be expected to: Ensure the delivery and operational management of the statutory assessment process, including the line management of SARS staff in a geographic area; Liaise with the Head of SARS as required to advise the Director or their nominated senior officer with responsibility for SARS on all matters relating to the strategic planning, implementation, and on-going monitoring of the service; Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and statutory frameworks; Establish, maintain, manage and review effective regional data systems to enable the robust analysis of processes; Co-ordinate, deliver, or contribute to training and support with regards to specific service areas as required; Facilitate the induction of new staff and ongoing professional development of relevant staff in relation to the core objectives, expected outputs and outcomes in relation to the service; Prepare and deliver reports on behalf of the Authority as required; Ensure dissemination of the corporate culture, values and processes which underpin organisational development to all staff Delegate responsibilities and deploy staff in accordance with their skills and abilities, the needs of the EA and service specific priorities. Provide the Head of SARS with required information in order to facilitate accurate and timely responses to queries, correspondence, complaints and other EA requirements. Assist the Head of SARS with the requirements of addressing stakeholder challenges in relation to service delivery as required, including responding to complaints, Appeals and other relevant processes. Undertake such training as may be required for his/her own personal and professional development. SERVICE DEVELOPMENT & QUALITY ASSURANCE The post-holder will be expected to: Assist the EA in the development of policies and plans in line with overall strategic policy and objectives; Lead on development of a clear regional framework for the SARS in terms of advice, support and professional learning programmes for staff implementing the statutory assessment process; Provide advice, guidance, training and support to EA officers, schools, parents and other stakeholders in relation to SEN; Ensure effective and rigorous quality assurance systems to maintain high standards; Ensure effective engagement, capacity building and monitoring arrangements with local/specialist teams; Participate in review processes to enable the development, review and compliance of all quality assurance policies and procedures; Foster and facilitate the development of staff skills in the effective use of technology, in particular presentation software, and in relation to negotiating and collaborating with a range of stakeholders and professionals; Liaise and work co-operatively with colleagues in other sections of the Authority to ensure consistent and coherent approaches towards training and services in relation to nurture and trauma sensitive approaches; Manage relevant staff to perform to their potential, promote their professional development and give support when required MANAGING FINANCIAL RESOURCES The post-holder will be expected to: Ensure that robust corporate governance procedures and financial control frameworks are implemented as required for effective management of the budget for the service and to monitor expenditure ensuring propriety, regularity and value for money within the allocated budget; Facilitate reporting protocols that are required by the EA; Consider the financial implications relating to effective models of service delivery and ensure that agreed systems and procedures are implemented to evaluate the outcomes of resource allocation Liaise with the HR directorate regarding recruitment and selection processes, and participate in selection panels as required. PARTNERSHIP WORKING The post-holder will be expected to: Enhance the development of the service by building on effective partnerships Develop links across the Authority’s Directorates as necessary in relation to the co-ordination of work related to nurture and trauma sensitive approaches; Ensure effective systems are in place for communication and consultation with service users, both internally and externally; Contribute to attendance at meetings both internally and with other stakeholders, in accordance with corporate goals, service targets, multi-agency action plans and in line with EA and DE requirements. OTHER DUTIES Comply with EA policies and procedures in relation to the duties and responsibilities of the post. Any such other duties that the EA may from time to time require. This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times. To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.