Job Description

Your New Organisation

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

Are you passionate about improving outcomes for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) as they prepare for adulthood? Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking an experienced and dedicated Preparing for Adulthood Casework Manager to lead our specialist SEND team supporting young people from Year 9 onwards through some of the most important transitions in their lives. This contract is offered on a full time and permanent basis.

In this pivotal leadership role, you will manage a team of Education, Health and Care (EHC) Coordinators, ensuring the effective delivery of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), annual reviews and statutory processes in line with SEND legislation and the SEND Code of Practice. You will champion person-centred planning, ensuring young people are supported to achieve meaningful outcomes relating to education, employment, independent living, community participation and good health.

Working collaboratively with schools, colleges, health services, adult social care, families and a wide range of partner agencies, you will oversee complex casework, secure appropriate post-16 and specialist provision, and lead on preparing for adulthood pathways across the city. You will play a key role in shaping local strategy, managing high-cost placements, monitoring outcomes, representing the Local Authority at tribunals and inspections, and ensuring young people with SEND can access the opportunities and support they need to thrive.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people while contributing to the continued development of Southend's SEND services.

What you'll need to succeed

You will be an experienced SEND professional with a strong understanding of SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice, and the statutory assessment and EHCP process. Educated to degree level or equivalent, you will have a track record of working successfully with young people with SEND, their families and multi-agency partners to secure positive outcomes. You will bring significant experience of managing complex SEND casework, leading and developing staff, and working collaboratively across education, health and social care services. You will be confident in negotiating solutions, resolving conflict, managing competing priorities and making sound decisions in complex situations.

You will also have:

• Extensive knowledge of SEND legislation, post-16 provision and preparing for adulthood pathways.
• Experience of managing and developing teams through effective supervision, performance management and coaching.
• Strong partnership-working skills with the ability to build effective relationships with schools, colleges, providers, families and professionals.
• Experience of securing specialist provision and managing complex transition arrangements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting, delivering training and representing services at meetings and tribunals.
• A commitment to person-centred practice, inclusion and achieving the best possible outcomes for young people with SEND.

If you are a motivated leader who is passionate about supporting young people to achieve independence, access employment opportunities and make successful transitions into adulthood, we would love to hear from you.

Your application will not be progressed if you are not educated to a degree level or equivalent.

Extensive knowledge and understanding of the SEN code of practice 2015 and Children and Families Act 2014 Educated to degree level or substantial equivalent professional experience in a SEND service environment.

What you'll get in return

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.