Job Description

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Countywide in Suffolk, Based at either Ipswich, Bury st Edmunds or Lowestoft, Hybrid working role
• Salary: £28,598 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

We’re focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk.

How? By listening to our people learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things.

As a SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Information, Advice and Support Worker you’ll be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. So, to make a positive impact, connect with us and connect with a fantastic career.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

Join us as a SEND Information, Advice and Support Worker and help parents, children and young people navigate SEND processes with confidence. You’ll listen carefully, explain options clearly and provide accurate, impartial information and advice that supports informed decision‑making.

SENDIASS is here to make the SEND journey clearer for families. Working at arm’s length from the local authority, we provide trusted, neutral support so families can be confident the information they receive is accurate, impartial and focused on their needs.

You will need

• The ability to provide clear, accurate information and advice at pace, responding to a high volume of enquiries while remaining adaptable within an ever‑evolving SEND landscape.
• A calm and thoughtful approach, balancing empathy, clarity and accuracy when supporting families with a range of enquiries, some of which may be complex or ongoing.
• Confidence working as part of a supportive team, contributing to a shared aim of helping families understand SEND processes and their rights.
• The ability to remain neutral and impartial, supporting people to understand their choices without offering personal opinions or judgements.
• A willingness to learn. You don’t need to be a SEND law expert when you join – full legal training will be provided so you feel confident delivering high‑quality, impartial advice.

If you enjoy working with others, can remain neutral when giving advice, and want a role focused on helping people understand their options, this could be the role for you.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word), which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.

If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

We believe supporting children and young people with SEND, and their families, is a real privilege and genuinely rewarding work.

You’ll receive SEND legal training from the outset, alongside ongoing opportunities to learn and develop. As part of a welcoming and supportive team, you’ll also help shape how we grow and improve as a service, with a shared focus on empowering families to play an active role in discussions and decisions.

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a meaningful difference every day, we’d love you to apply.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report

For more information

Please contact Nicki Howlett (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach her by calling 01473 296487 or emailing nicki.howlett@suffolksendiass.co.uk

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 300 words per question). You should use the  Supporting Statement template (Word).

1. Tell us about a time you provided clear, impartial information or advice on a complex or sensitive issue. How did you ensure your guidance was balanced, accurate and focused on empowering the individual or family to make their own informed decisions?
2. Describe a situation where you supported a child, young person, parent or carer to understand their rights or take part in a formal process. How did you adapt your communication to meet their needs and ensure they felt listened to and supported?
3. Give an example of when you had to manage multiple complex enquiries or competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment. How did you organise your workload and maintain the quality and timeliness of your advice?
4. What is your preferred base? (Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds or Lowestoft)

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team by emailing  recruitment@suffolk.gov.ukor calling 03456 014412 You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 7 June 2026.

Interview date: 30 June 2026.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk)