South West Regional SEND Project Officer - Support

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

Job summary

A regional local authority in the United Kingdom is looking for a dedicated individual to improve services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The role involves supporting the Regional SEND Coordinator, organising network activities, and promoting co-production with families. Ideal candidates will have a degree-level qualification or equivalent experience, along with knowledge of SEND laws. Flexible working arrangements and training opportunities are available.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant relevant or lived experience of SEND will be considered.
• Working knowledge of the Children & Families Act, Education Act, and the SEND Code of Practice.

Responsibilities

• Support the Regional SEND Coordinator and Health and Education Settings Lead practitioner.
• Organise meetings and maintain accurate records.
• Promote co-production with parents, carers, and young people.
• Manage data to monitor progress and impact.
• Act as a key contact for local authorities.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills

Proactivity

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.