SENDIAS Adviser

Buckinghamshire Council; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a SENDIAS Adviser in Aylesbury to provide advice and support to families navigating the SEND system. This role requires experience in the SEND or education sector, excellent communication skills, and a good understanding of SEND legislation. You will help families make informed decisions, support them through appeals, and promote the service within the community. This position may require occasional travel. A relevant qualification is desirable, though experience is prioritized.

Benefits

Range of benefits to ensure work-life balance

Qualifications

• Experienced in working with families in the SEND or education sector.
• Knowledgeable about SEND legislation, such as the Children and Families Act 2014.
• Adaptable to changing SEND legislation and internal processes.

Responsibilities

• Offer timely and impartial advice via various communication methods.
• Support families through SEND processes, including appeals.
• Promote the service and support volunteer development.

Skills

Experience in working with parents, carers, and/or young people

Knowledge of SEND legislation

Excellent communication skills

Tech-savvy with Microsoft Office

Empathetic and resilient

Education

Relevant qualification (e.g. IPSEA Legal Training)

Job description

Job description

Location: Aylesbury

Overview

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)? Join our dedicated and friendly team at Buckinghamshire SENDIAS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support) Service. We are looking for a committed and empathetic individual to provide impartial advice and support to children, young people, and their families navigating the SEND system.

About us

Buckinghamshire is an ambitious, rapidly growing county, and our economy is one of the strongest in the country. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and ranks as one of the top rural areas to live in the UK and yet it is incredibly well connected– only an hour from London on the train. The county has a rich history and heritage and is the birthplace of the international Paralympic movement.

We are looking for motivated, ambitious and inspiring people to join us on our journey. You will be entitled to a range of different benefits to make sure you are happy both at work and at home.

About the role

As a SENDIAS Adviser, you’ll be at the heart of our mission to empower families and young people by providing clear, confidential, and impartial information and advice. You will help them make informed decisions and get their views heard. You’ll respond to enquiries, support individuals through complex processes such as mediation and tribunals, and help promote positive dialogue between families, schools, and other services.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Offering timely and impartial advice via phone, email, webchat and in-person.
• Supporting families and young people through SEND processes, including appeals and mediation.
• Promoting the service across the community and supporting volunteer development.
• Staying up to date with relevant legislation and best practices.
• Contributing to service planning and continuous improvement.

This role is based in Aylesbury, with occasional travel required. An enhanced DBS check and a full driving licence are essential.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in working with parents, carers, and/or young people, ideally within the SEND or education sector.
• Knowledgeable about SEND legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Equality Act 2010.
• Adaptable—SEND legislation is likely to change in the near future. Our internal processes are continually evolving to provide service users with the help they need as soon as possible.
• Empathetic and resilient, with the ability to support families through emotionally challenging situations.
• Organised and proactive, able to manage a varied, demanding workload and meet deadlines.
• Collaborative, with excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with families and professionals alike.
• Tech‑savvy, proficient in using Microsoft Office and databases.

A relevant qualification (e.g. IPSEA Legal Training) is desirable, but not essential if you bring the right experience and attitude.

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.