South West Regional SEND Project Officer - Support

Dorset Council; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority in the United Kingdom is looking for an individual passionate about enhancing services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This part-time role involves working closely with the Regional SEND Coordinator to support change and improve outcomes for families. Candidates should hold a degree-level qualification, have excellent communication skills, and possess knowledge of SEND legislation. Opportunities for training and career progression are available.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of the Children & Families Act and SEND Code of Practice.
• Experience in coordinating network activities and communication systems.
• Ability to present information clearly to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Support the Regional SEND Coordinator in coordinating activities.
• Organise meetings and maintain records of network activity.
• Manage data to monitor progress and impact across the region.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organised and proactive

Knowledge of SEND Law

Education

Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Are you passionate about improving services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? This is an exciting opportunity to join the South West Regional SEND team and play a key role in embedding SEND reforms and driving positive change. You’ll work closely with the Regional SEND Coordinator to support culture change and improve outcomes for children, young people, and their families.

Would you like to

• be part of a collaborative regional network focused on improving SEND services across education, health, and social care.
• contribute to meaningful projects that make a real difference to families and communities.
• access flexible working arrangements and a range of employee benefits.
• benefit from training and development opportunities to support your career progression.

What would I be doing in this role?

• supporting the Regional SEND Coordinator, Health and Education Settings Lead practitioner to coordinate network activities and communication systems.
• organising meetings (virtual and face‑to‑face) and maintaining accurate records of contacts and network activity.
• circulating updates, newsletters, and presentations to keep the region informed.
• promoting co‑production with parents, carers, and young people to ensure their voices are central to decision‑making.
• collating and managing data to monitor progress and impact across the region.
• acting as a key point of contact for local authorities and partner organisations.
• organising and ensuring invoices are paid in a timely manner and finance processes run smoothly.

We’re Looking For Someone Who

• holds a degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience (significant relevant or lived experience of SEND will be considered).
• has a working knowledge of the Children & Families Act, Education Act, and the SEND Code of Practice and has a good understanding of SEND Law – IPSEA trained (or equivalent).
• demonstrates excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues, young people, parents, and professionals.
• can present information clearly and accurately to different audiences.
• is organised, proactive, and committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• is able to work within Local Authority finance systems.

Further Information

This is a one year fixed term contract. It is part time at 30 hours a week. We are happy to consider a secondment for this position. If you have any questions please contact Vikki Jervis, [email protected].

This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.

This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.

See our policy on safeguarding children and young people.

About Us

At Dorset Council, it’s not just about the work we do, it’s about how we do it. At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You Will

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible – if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.