At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.
We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.
We are pleased to offer a rare opportunity within our Wakefield SENDIASS service to become a fully trained SENDIASS officer. In your role as a SENDIASS officer, you will provide impartial and confidential information, advice and support in relation to SEND law. You will ensure users of Wakefield SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Information, Advice & Support Service) are aware of their legal entitlements. Service users will be empowered to make an informed contribution to any decisions made, and resolve disagreements about their/their child’s education, health and social care. The service is predominantly delivered virtually with occasional attendance at face-to-face meetings across the district.
Working days -the working days for this post will be confirmed with the successful candidate. The hours can be worked across 4 full days or spread across 5 days but must include Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
Main Responsibilities:
1. To provide a high-quality point of contact for parents/carers/children/young people, and statutory and voluntary organisations.
2. To provide families with accurate information and advice on a range of matters relating to SEND procedures, with particular regard to the SEND Code of Practice 2014.
3. To provide tailored interventions where the need arises to parents/carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and directly to children and young people with SEND, including for children aged over 16 on their own, if requested.
4. To keep accurate records of all enquiries, actions and follow up activities, and keep Wakefield SENDIASS database up to date.
5. To maintain up-to-date knowledge of SEND legislation and local practice, and undertake developmental activities and training as required.
6. To assist in ensuring effective working relationships are established and maintained with organisations and agencies relevant to the work of SENDIASS.
Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):
· Level 3 qualification in one or more areas of multi-agency provision i.e. Education, Health or Social care, or Graduate level qualification in relevant area
· A willingness to complete all online IPSEA legal training levels within 12 months of joining the service.
· Knowledge and understanding of current special educational needs principles and procedures. With an awareness of the legislation relating to special educational needs, the SEND Code of Practice and Disability Discrimination.
· Proven experience of working directly within SEND.
· Resilience and sensitivity in dealing with challenging issues, and an ability to empathise with the parents and carers, and children and young people with special educational needs
· High level of IT skills including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Power Point and Excel.
· Appointments are subject to Family Action receiving a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service
Benefits:
- an annual paid leave entitlement that commences at 25 working days, rising each April by one day, subject to a maximum of 30 working days plus bank holidays.
- up to 6% matched-pension contributions
- flexible working arrangements and new starters have the right to make flexible working requests from day one of employment
- enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions
- eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers
- cycle to work scheme
- investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities
We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.
To Apply:
· Go to https://careers.family-action.org.uk/FamilyAction/Home and scroll down to find the job advert. Complete the digital application form.
· Closing Date: Tuesday 7th July 2026 at midnight
Interviews are scheduled to take place virtually via TEAMs on Tuesday 11th August 2026
For direct queries regarding the post or if you would like to discuss any aspect of the selection process or flexible working requests, please email: [email protected]
All appointments are subject to Family Action receiving a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service – Enhanced level
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £25,221.00-£27,780.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Application question(s):
- Lived experience of SEND and/or experience of working with families with SEND in an educational environment, local authority, voluntary organisation.
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Wakefield WF4 5RA
