Sutton Information Advice and Support Service (SIASS) Caseworker

Sutton Information Advice and Support Service (SIASS) Caseworker

Full-time (37 hours) and part-time positions available – permanent contract
Salary: £29,621.81 FTE per annum (pro-rata for those working less than full-time)
Band 2, SCP 29 on Cognus pay scales
Location: Cognus Office Cantium House, Wallington

SIASS provides free, confidential, impartial, and accessible information, advice and support for parents and carers of children and young people (aged 0 to 25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and young people with SEND themselves, in the London Borough of Sutton. We are a statutory service and exist to ensure families of people with SEND and young  people themselves have the information, advice, and support they need to navigate the SEND system and make informed choices about Education, Health, and Social Care, and successfully express their views. Our goal is to provide the right information, advice, and support, at the right time, so that every child with SEND in Sutton can thrive in education and life. More information about the service can be found on our website, www.siass.co.uk

We are looking for individuals with a good understanding of law relating to the SEND Code of Practice and national policy, the ability to challenge non-compliance to SEND law/guidance, and exceptional multi-tasking and problem-solving skills. We pride ourselves on offering compassionate, professional, confidential, impartial support for our service users and the successful candidates will demonstrate their understanding of the necessary balance between providing excellent client support whilst maintaining clear impartiality, rooted in SEN law. The successful candidates must be willing to undertake and complete mandatory IAS legal training (through IPSEA level 3) and engage in ongoing professional development.

Comprehensive training will be provided (both through IPSEA legal training and shadowing current staff) to ensure successful transition into the role of caseworker. Our caseworking staff spend most of their time working from confidential spaces in their homes. Occasional time is spent in the Cognus office (Cantium House, Wallington) and out in the community at schools and community centres offering support at meetings and advice surgeries or trainings to various parent/carers and professionals (as scheduled throughout the year). Appropriate IT equipment will be provided for the successful candidates. SIASS is recruiting for 1.5 FTE case-working staff, and are open to discussing working hours, both full time and part-time offers may be made.

You will give us great commitment and in return we offer an excellent package including:
i) Starting salary of £29,621.81 FTE (pro-rata for part-time) per annum
ii) Workplace pension scheme 4% to 8% matched contributions Registered in England and Wales No: 10276456. Registered office: Cantium House. Railway Approach, Wallington SM6 0DZ
iii) 28 days annual leave pro rata (plus Bank Holidays)
iv) Regular manager support and supervision.
v) Hybrid and Flexible working – min. 2 days per week in the office for this role
vi) Staff benefits package, currently including Employee Assistance Programme,
Perkbox and (upon completion of probation) Sovereign Healthcare Cashback plans
vii) Staff Council, Staff EDI group and Mental Health First Aiders to support wellbeing and inclusion
viii) Cognus Coaching Programmes
ix) An ambitious culture with friendly and supportive colleagues

If you are interested and would like to be considered for this role, please apply to recruitment@cognus.org.uk with the completed application form, outlining your suitability. The deadline for receipt is noon on Friday, 24 th March 2023. Shortlisted candidates are requested to be available for interview on either Tuesday 28 th
March 2023, or Tuesday 4 th April 2023 via Microsoft Teams. For an informal conversation about the role please contact Laura Haupt, SIASS Manager at
laura.haupt@siass.co.uk All offers of employment are subject to successful completion of recruitment formalities which includes an enhanced DBS check. These checks must have been completed prior to commencement of employment. We expect our staff to have due regard for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to follow the child protection procedures adopted by the Company and the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board.

For more details please visit - https://www.cognus.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SIASS-Casework-Ad-JD-Mar-2023-1.pdf