SENDIASS Information Coordinator - Hertfordshire County Council : Job Details

An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen to join a dynamic team as an Information Coordinator within the Hertfordshire Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).

As a SENDIASS Information Coordinator, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Local Authority to meet its legal obligations to deliver a high-quality SEND Information, Advice, and Support Service (SENDIASS) in Hertfordshire. This service, defined by the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice 2015, and national minimum standards 2018, offers free, confidential, and impartial information, advice, and support to children and young people with SEND up to the age of 25, as well as their parents and carers.

In this role, you will be the first point of contact for families accessing the service through our dedicated helpline and email enquiries. You will provide accurate, up-to-date information and tailored advice, and signpost to relevant support based on the family’s needs.

This is a really great opportunity to be at the centre of providing support to families as they go through their SEND journey. You will make a huge impact to people that contact our service.

You will work within the duty team to support those whose needs are not being met or who are 'stuck’ in the system.

Key Responsibilities

• Information and Support- provide accurate and relevant information and advice tailored to callers’ needs. Support families to self-advocacy and participate in decision-making by using person-centred approaches.
• Signposting- direct families to appropriate services, agencies, and groups, explaining the purpose of referrals.
• EHC processes- guide families through the Education Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment.
• Legal Information- provide accurate information based on SEND law and local policies.
• Collaboration- build and maintain professional relationships with colleagues and practitioners who work across education, health, and care services to ensure successful outcomes for children and young people.
• Organisation- highly organised and use own initiative to adapt to a changing workload and demand, while maintaining a consistent, high-quality service.
• Data Management-maintain accurate and comprehensive database records to support monitoring and quality assurance for local and national reporting and analysis.

Duties and responsibilities are subject to reasonable change, to meet the business need.

Essential

• Confidentiality and Impartiality - Clear understanding of these terms and ability to uphold.

• Communication Skills - Experience in using effective communication skills and techniques to engage with families, colleagues, and professionals.

• IT Skills - Demonstrates excellent IT skills.

• Compassion and Empathy - Strong ability to empathise and show compassion in supporting children, young people, and their families through their journey.

• Record Keeping - Confident in working with Microsoft packages and databases, with the ability to maintain and accurately update case records in a timely manner.

• Driving Licence - Hold a full UK Driving licence and access to a vehicle on a regular basis is essential.

• Excellent written and interpersonal skills.

Desirable:

• Qualifications - GCSEs or vocational equivalent.

• Knowledge and Experience - Hold IPSEA SEND Legal Qualifications (Levels 1 to 3) or equivalent qualification in SEND law.

• Relevant practical experience of working with families, knowledge of current SEND working practices and legislation would be a distinct advantage.