- Suffolk County Council - Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX / Hybrid
- £33,366 per annum (pro rata if part time)
- 37 Hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Permanent
At Suffolk County Council, we're reimagining what local government can achieve. We're a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and making a real difference in our communities. When you join us as a Specialist Provision Officer (Alternative Provision), you'll be part of a team that empowers its people to explore new ideas, create meaningful connections, and shape the future of Suffolk. Ready to reimagine your career and the impact you can make?
Your role and responsibilities
You will:
- work closely with other Specialist Provision Officers, working collaboratively to support each other
- be in regular communication with education providers and colleagues across Inclusion Services within SCC
- be pivotal to ensuring that services are delivering to the full potential
- be part of the process by which as many students access high quality alternative provision as possible
- travel to providers across the County chairing meetings with school leaders and business owners who deliver the services we require
- be responsible for line managing officers who ensure clear placement agreements exist for each child we place.
You will need:
- experience or knowledge of special educational needs provision including alternative provision
- an understanding of the SEND reforms (2014), Local Authority responsibilities in delivering the Local Offer', Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Improvement Plan Right Support, Right Place, Right Time March 2023
- experience of collaborative approaches through effective partnership working
- experience of service improvement and continued quality assurance is necessary
- the ability to assess and manage risk, set clear priorities and manage competing demands
- a good knowledge of safeguarding requirements and legislation is required for this role.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx) . If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
The team is responsible for the development and delivery of the SEND Sufficiency Plan to improve the local offer and outcomes for children and young people with SEND and ensuring there is high quality management information to inform need and service gap analysis. We are also responsible for provider development and management and quality of specialist education provision.
Our office day is usually on Tuesday. Additionally, we practice hybrid working.
We will offer you:
- an inclusive and supportive team environment, within which we pool and share our collective knowledge and experience to ensure our team members are enabled to work to the highest standards.
- a supportive environment with access to ongoing CPD training.
- an exciting and varied role where you will manage challenging and demanding situations.
Empowering Everyone
We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.uk) .
For more information
Please contact George Salmon (he/him) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 264056 or emailing george.salmon2@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (docx)
Step 2 - Click Apply Now' to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (docx) .
- Tell us about a time when you had to manage multiple provider relationships simultaneously. How did you ensure consistent quality and performance across all providers?
- Tell us about a challenging meeting you had to chair. How did you ensure it was productive?
- Give us an example of how you've contributed to improving outcomes for children with SEND through service development.
- Tell us about a time when you identified a safeguarding concern. What actions did you take?
- Describe a situation where you had to challenge established practices to improve outcomes. How did you approach this?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Closing date: 11.30 pm, 9 December 2024.
Interview date: 18 December 2024.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you'll enjoy:
- up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
- training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
- diverse and active staff networks
- flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk) .