Advice and Information Officer

Job Title: SIAS Adviser
Department: Children's and Adults' Services
Location: Southwark
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
Working Hours: 36 hours per week

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)? Would you relish the opportunity to champion the rights of families navigating education, health, and care systems? If so, Southwark Council invites you to apply for the role of SIAS Adviser within our highly regarded Southwark Information, Advice and Support (SIAS) team.

This impartial service operates at arm's length from the local authority, delivering vital support to children, young people, and families across the borough. In addition to its advisory remit, the team maintains Southwark's Local Offer website and undertakes statutory duties associated with this function.

• Provide clear, impartial, and accurate information, advice and support to families, children, and young people with SEND.

• Assist individuals in understanding and navigating education, health, and social care processes, including EHC plans and the SEN Code of Practice.

• Uphold and promote the statutory rights of families and young people under relevant SEND and equalities legislation.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the Southwark Local Offer.

• Represent the service at meetings, forums and workshops, and support the ongoing development of service delivery.

• Maintain accurate case records in line with statutory guidance and organisational policy.

• Stay abreast of legislative updates and engage in ongoing professional development.

We are seeking individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also empathetic, solution-focused and committed to inclusion. The ideal candidate will bring:

• Substantial experience supporting children and young people with SEND and their families.

• In-depth understanding of legislation, guidance and policy related to SEND, equalities, exclusions and the Local Offer.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information in an accessible way.

• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with service users and professionals alike.

• A commitment to impartiality, confidentiality and professional integrity.

• Flexibility, initiative and the ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the service.