SENDIASS Assistant

Wokingham Borough Council; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

An established local authority seeks a SENDIASS Assistant to join their supportive team. This role involves providing crucial information and support to children and families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. You will be responsible for responding to inquiries, maintaining confidential records, and facilitating communication between parents and various agencies. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a range of employee benefits, including generous leave and a local government pension scheme. If you're passionate about supporting families and children, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Local government pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Lifestyle discounts

Free onsite gym

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or above in relevant subject area required.
• IPSEA legal training at levels 1, 2, and 3 is essential.

Responsibilities

• Act as a first point of contact for parents and schools.
• Maintain the SENDIASS database for accurate record-keeping.
• Signpost parents to appropriate agencies.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Confidentiality Respect

Ability to Work Independently

Meeting Facilitation

Education

NVQ Level 3 or above

Relevant Education Qualification

IPSEA Legal Training

Job description

SENDIASS Assistant

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £27,711 - £30,060 Per Annum (Pro Rata), Plus Benefits
Location: Wokingham
Contract: Contract
Working Pattern: Term Time
Hours: 25 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 04/05/2025 at 23:00
Reference: 713159

We have an excellent opportunity available for a SENDIASS Assistant to join our supportive SENDIASS team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a 12-month fixed term contract, 25 hours per week, term time only.

As SENDIASS Assistant, you will support the SENDIASS team in the delivery and development of the SENDIAS Service as set out in the Children and Families Act 2014 and the revised SEN Code of Practice 2015 and the Minimum Standards for Information Advice and Support Services.

SENDIASS is a statutory service delivering a comprehensive range of information, advice, and support to children and young people aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and their parents, in accordance with the Children and Families Act 2014. The service empowers children and young people with SEND and their parents to play an active role in decisions about them/their children, encouraging everyone to work together to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Benefits:

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

• A generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays
• An excellent local government pension scheme
• An employee assistance programme including a 24/7 wellbeing helpline
• A range of local & lifestyle discounts
• Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)
• Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes
• And much more!

Key responsibilities:

• To be a first point of contact for parents, schools, Council Officers, and voluntary agencies for the SENDIASS Service.
• To signpost parents to other agencies as appropriate.
• To respond sensitively to service users’ telephone, email, or website enquiries respecting confidentiality at all times.
• To maintain the confidential SENDIASS database to ensure that statistical information is up to date, can inform service development, and feed into the national benchmarking exercise and Council reporting processes, ensuring that accurate records are kept in line with data protection, Wokingham Borough Council, and SENDIASS policies.

Candidate requirements:

• NVQ Level 3 or above in relevant (or transferable) subject area.
• A relevant education qualification/professional qualification relating to families and children, or equivalent.
• IPSEA legal training at levels 1, 2, and 3
• Ability to work independently and to be accountable for work
• Ability to respect confidential information.
• Ability to facilitate meetings.
• Excellent organisational skills, ability to prioritise workload, and work on own initiative as well as part of a team.

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high-performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses, and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities, and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

For more information or to arrange a confidential call, please email Katharine Linford - [e-mail]

Closing date: 4th May 2025, 11pm

Interview date: TBC

Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers, and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.

How to apply:

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Further information on this vacancy:

• Job Description