Senior SENDIASS Practitioner Location: Sefton Salary: £23,613 per annum Hours: 36 hours per week Employer: Kids About Us Kids is a national charity dedicated to supporting children and young people with disabilities and their families. We provide specialist support, ensuring that every child has an equal opportunity to thrive. Our SEND Information, Advice, and Support Service (SENDIASS) helps families navigate the education system, understand their rights, and access the support they need. This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate team and play a vital role in empowering families and young people with SEND. About the Role As a Senior SENDIASS Practitioner, you will: ✔️ Provide impartial and confidential advice to parents, carers, and young people (aged 16-25) with SEND. ✔️ Support families to understand their rights and engage confidently in decision-making about their child's education. ✔️ Work closely with schools, local authorities, and other agencies to ensure families receive the best possible support. ✔️ Manage a caseload of complex cases and act as a mentor to junior team members. ✔️ Engage with the community through outreach work, social media, and innovative service promotion. ✔️ Work flexibly, including some home visits and occasional out-of-hours commitments, to meet the needs of families. This role requires a high degree of independence, self-management, and problem-solving, as well as a strong commitment to making a positive impact. Key Responsibilities Providing Information & Advice Deliver up-to-date guidance on SEND-related legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice. Offer practical support with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), school placements, and dispute resolution. Assist families with paperwork, preparing for meetings, and understanding reports and policies. Case Management & Advocacy Handle a caseload of families requiring in-depth support, including those in complex situations. Attend school meetings, local authority panels, and mediation sessions as an advocate for families. Encourage and support young people to participate in decision-making about their education. Collaboration & Partnership Working Work closely with schools, the local authority, and other services to identify and support vulnerable families. Deliver training and information sessions for professionals and parents. Attend community events and meetings to raise awareness of the SENDIASS service. Safeguarding & Compliance Follow Kids' safeguarding procedures and report any concerns promptly. Maintain accurate records of all work and contribute to service evaluations. Ensure the service meets the Quality Standards for SENDIASS Services. What We’re Looking For Essential Skills & Experience ✅ Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal). ✅ Knowledge of SEND legislation (Children and Families Act 2014, SEN Code of Practice, Disability Discrimination Act). ✅ Experience working with families of children with SEND, or in a related field. ✅ Ability to manage a caseload, prioritize tasks, and work independently. ✅ Strong IT skills, including report writing and database management. ✅ A commitment to empowering families and advocating for children’s rights. Desirable Skills & Experience ➕ Experience working in schools or with local authorities. ➕ A degree or equivalent qualification. ➕ Knowledge of mediation and dispute resolution processes. Additional Requirements A full UK driving licence is required as the role involves travel for home visits and outreach work. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check. Why Join Us? Make a Difference – Directly impact the lives of children and families. Career Growth – Gain valuable experience and professional development opportunities. Supportive Team – Work in a collaborative and passionate environment. Innovative Work – Help shape and expand the service, including social media outreach and training sessions. If you're passionate about supporting children and families and have the experience and skills required, we’d love to hear from you Apply Today