SEND Placements Officer

We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. However, we value human talent and are looking for passionate individuals to join our organisation. Please ensure you personally complete your application and read all the instructions carefully to maximise your chances of success., This is a great time to join the SEND Assessment Service in Bolton as we are expanding our team to include a number of newly established roles. We know change is coming through the SEND Reforms and we are excited for the opportunities that this will bring. We want the right workforce in place to drive forward change.

We are proud to say that children and young people with SEND in Bolton typically have positive experiences and outcomes (Local Area SEND Inspection June 2024).

In this role, you will develop understanding of the needs of Bolton's children and young people and support managers across SEND and Inclusion to identify gaps in services and improve the quality of services. You will also support SEND Officers with the identification and arrangement of appropriate school placements and educational provision for students with SEND whose needs cannot be met in local in borough provision on either a long term or temporary basis.

In Bolton we pride ourselves on our relationships. You will develop positive relationships with providers across the independent and alternative provision sectors. You will deliver on agreed aspects of the commissioning cycle, holding responsibility for overseeing the procurement and contract management of SEND commissioned placements within the aforementioned sectors. You will work closely with the SEND Quality Assurance Officer to monitor and evaluate commissioned placements, ensuring placements are compliant with statutory duties, deliver value for money and lead to the best possible outcomes for children and young people. You will monitor the attendance and progress of students in out of borough SEND placements, ensuring they are receiving the appropriate support and making good progress.

You will represent Bolton Council by taking an active role across Greater Manchester and Placements North West. You will also work with health and social care colleagues regarding the joint funding of placements, where appropriate.

You will have a good understanding of the SEND framework, relevant legislation and the full range of SEND settings and placements available both within and outside the borough. You will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of out of borough specialist placements and provide support and challenge where necessary.

You will need understanding of commissioning and contracting arrangements and have the ability to influence and negotiate with stakeholders to ensure value for money and the best outcomes for children and young people. You will demonstrate flexibility and creativity in reaching mutually agreeable solutions. You will have the ability to develop positive relationships with providers and stakeholders across education, health and social care. This role requires strong interpersonal and communication skills.

We know that working in SEND can be challenging. You will have resilience and the ability to work to a high standard when under pressure and have the ability to work under your own initiative as well as playing a vital role within the team. As such, excellent organisation and time management skills are essential to this role., This post is a designated customer facing role under the fluency duty and requires a specified level of spoken English as per the person specification.

This is your opportunity to join us at an exciting time as we have strong ambitions for the borough.

Bolton is a great place to work. We are a welcoming organisation that wants to contribute to a place where people feel active, connected and prosperous. We are passionate about improving the outcomes and experience of Bolton people. We want Bolton to be a vibrant place built on strong cohesive communities, successful businesses and healthy, engaged residents.

As an employer we want to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment, by giving them the opportunity to access a range of exclusive rewards and benefits, including discounts and exclusive gym membership prices and salary sacrifice schemes. In addition, we offer a generous annual leave allowance, flexible work opportunities, access to a Pension Scheme, as well as a range of employee wellbeing and support services.