SEND Careers Support Officer

About The Role SEND Careers Support Officer

Permanent, Full Time
£33,049 to £37,698 per annum

Location:

Chelmsford
Working Style:
Community-based worker
Closing Date: 26th August 2026
Interview Dates: 3rd & 4th September 2026

The SEND Careers Advice Service forms part of Preparing for Adulthood under SEND Strategy & Innovation, supporting children and young people aged 0 to 25 years who have special educational needs and / or disabilities, and their families. Under the direction of the SEND Careers Leads, the SEND Careers Support Officer will undertake participation tracking and reporting, alongside providing initial Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) to young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) aged 13 – 25, and their support networks where required.

You will contribute to raising aspirations, improving personal confidence and removing barriers to progression. The SEND Careers Support Officer will work in a person-centred way, ensuring young people are listened to, empowered and supported to achieve their individual goals. A flexible, compassionate and collaborative approach is essential, as is the ability to form positive and supportive relationships with young people aged 13 – 25.

• Communicate directly with young people with SEND (13–25) and / or their support networks, to gather information on their current situation.
• Provide clear and accessible information, advice and guidance to young people and their support networks, helping them make informed decisions about education, training and employment pathways and signposting to relevant opportunities and support mechanisms.
• Work collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders to promote inclusive opportunities and advocate for young people. This will include education provisions, training providers, employers, social care, the Youth Service, and other specialist services.
• Assist SEND Careers Advisors in brokering tailored opportunities that support the Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) pathways.
• Maintain accurate records of interactions, outcomes, and documentation, prepare reports and contribute to data gathering to better understand local needs and inform future planning.
• Manage a small caseload under the supervision of the Senior Lead SEND Careers Advisor, meeting agreed timescales for interventions.
• Assist the SEND Careers Team in the planning and delivery of group workshops, careers events, engagement activities, and working groups as appropriate.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by sharing observations, feedback and suggestions to enhance service delivery.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework

• ' Educated to Level 3 Certificate in Information, Advice, and Guidance (or equivalent)'
• Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain and update skills, knowledge and professional practice relevant to working with children and young people.
• Experience working with young people with a range of learning difficulties and / or disabilities.
• Clear understanding of relevant legislation including the SEND Code of Practice (2015) Children and Families Act (2014), and the Education Act 1996 & Education and Skills Act 2008.
• Able to work effectively with a range of partners to support effective outcomes in line with differing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to use management information systems and Microsoft Office programs to support the recording of young people’s information.
• A knowledge of person-centred planning to support strengths-based outcomes for young people.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to listen and inform, negotiate and seek solutions to challenging and complex situations.

To read more about our business area, please visit:
Children & Families

Please take a look at our ‘No Magic’ Children & Families video

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational…