SEND Family Support Worker
Family Support Worker SEND (Maternity Cover, Fixed-Term)
Contract: 1 Year Fixed Term (February 2025 – February 2026)Hours: Full-Time, 36 hours per week
Salary: Grade 8, SP 20 (£37,473 per annum)
Location: Highshore School
About Highshore School:
Highshore is a vibrant special school providing high-quality education for pupils aged 11-19 with a range of complex needs, including Down’s syndrome, Autism, and medical conditions. Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted (February 2023), the school prides itself on a supportive and inclusive community where every child is encouraged to reach their potential.
About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated SEND Family Support Worker to cover a maternity leave position. This role is essential in supporting our families, building strong home-school partnerships, and ensuring the well-being of our pupils through expert advice and advocacy.This role is key in ensuring and promoting the safeguarding and welfare of all the students.
You will act as a vital link between the school, families, and external agencies, addressing safeguarding concerns, offering advice on housing and welfare, and helping parents navigate processes such as DLA (Disability Living Allowance) applications and housing appeals.You will be a part of the Safeguarding Team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide tailored advice and guidance to families on SEN support, EHCP processes, and annual reviews.
- Assist families with housing applications, appeals, and benefit documentation (e.g., DLA forms).
- Support parents in school transport applications and liaise with local authorities.
- Support safeguarding processes within the school, with the potential to undertake Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsibilities if appropriately trained.
- Deliver workshops, training sessions, and support groups for parents and carers.
- Represent the school at meetings with professionals and external partners.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure data confidentiality.
Candidate Profile:
We are looking for someone with:
Essential Backgrounds (One or more of the following):
- Experience working in schools, social care, or SEND advisory services.
- Background in family support roles, youth work, or housing and welfare advisory services.
- Experience in local authority services, healthcare roles, or SEND charities.
Key Skills and Qualities:
- Strong safeguarding knowledge and experience in handling child protection matters.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse families and professionals.
- Experience supporting parents with housing appeals, welfare applications, and transport systems.
- Ability to manage sensitive situations with discretion, professionalism, and empathy.
- Proven experience in multi-agency working and building productive partnerships.
- Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage a caseload and meet deadlines.
- Be part of a dedicated and passionate team making a significant difference in the lives of children with SEND.
- Work in a collaborative and supportive environment.
- Access to professional development and training opportunities.
How to Apply:
To request an application pack, please contact:
- Nick Clark at nclark@highshore.southwark.sch.uk
For an informal conversation or to arrange a visit, please contact:
- Evelina Dimopoulou, Headteacher at headteacher@highshore.southwark.sch.uk
Interviews to be held on: Week Commencing 27/01/2025