Learning Advocate (SEND Specialist)

Job Title: Learning Advocate (SEND Specialist)
Term Time Only – 39 weeks + 10 days
Salary: £34,629 to £38,050 per annum (already pro-rata'd to match TTO and hours)
35 Hours per Week
Location: Worcester
Permanent
 

The Role
Worcestershire Virtual School fulfils the Local Authority’s statutory duties in ensuring that children and young people in care, previously in care and those with a social worker receive the best possible educational provision and outcomes.  We work with children, young people and their families as well as colleagues across Education, Social Care and Health to ensure our children and young people reach their full potential.

You will be joining a team of Learning Advocates within the Virtual School to provide support for a cohort of statutory school age Worcestershire Children who are Looked After (CLA).  You will promote high expectations for our CLA within our educational settings, prioritising their needs to secure a good quality education and positive outcomes. You will support the early identification of barriers to success, providing guidance and challenge to schools to implement targeted interventions at the earliest opportunity, thereby promoting a culture of high aspiration for every CLA.

This particular Learning Advocate post is a new lead role with a focus on supporting our children and young people with an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP) to ensure that their educational needs are met.  This includes helping to navigate the SEND system, holding Annual Reviews and securing appropriate educational provision for our Children Looked After.

You will need to use your own initiative, possess excellent interpersonal skills, first-rate organisational skills and demonstrate the ability to meet deadlines. Training and support will be provided from a highly regarded team.

This post offers a great opportunity for a committed and successful professional to contribute to the development of the Worcestershire Virtual School. You will be joining a highly supportive and motivated team, committed to improving the outcomes of our children and young people in care.

Benefits
You’ll find an overview of the benefits Worcestershire County Council have to offer on our webpage Why work for us? | Worcestershire County Council, so do take a look!  Some of these offers include:

• Great Holiday Entitlement: As well as bank holidays, you'll get 26 days paid holiday (pro rata for part-time staff). This goes up to 31 days when you have been with us for 5 years. If you get more than 26 days where you work now, don't worry because if you join us without a break, we'll match your holiday up to 31 days. If you’re successful and want to take advantage of this do let us know!
• Brilliant Pension Scheme: The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a nationwide, career average pension scheme and is a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government.
• Professional Learning & Development: We actively encourage learning and development for all our staff should they want to progress further or explore other areas within the organisation.
• Flexible Working: We are proud to offer hybrid working to provide a better work/life balance where possible.

Equality & Diversity
The County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all citizens and celebrates the diversity of all its residents.

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)
This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of criminal records via the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands, or final warnings, as well as convictions. The County Council has a commitment to safeguarding service users in our care.
 

How to Apply
Application forms are invited to apply for this role.
Please find the Job Description and Person Specification attached.

Please write your submission with consideration for the essential and desirable criteria on the Person Specification. This should include examples why you should be considered; the experience, skills and knowledge that you would bring to the post.

Please submit your application form to Recruitment@worcestershire.gov.uk

Application Closing Date Sunday, 6^th October 2024
Anticipated Interview Date W/C 14^th October 2024