SEND Specialist Officer; Moving & Handling

Post

Please note:

Internal, at risk or redeployee applicants will be seen in the first instance.

Help us build inclusive education across Calderdale.

Calderdale is ambitious for all children and young people. We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed Specialist Officer (Moving & Handling) to join our Specialist Inclusion Team and help ensure that children and young people with SEND can access the right support, at the right time, in the right way.

This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with children, families, schools and educational settings across Calderdale to promote inclusive practice and improve outcomes for children and young people with cognition and learning needs.

As a Specialist Officer (Moving & Handling) within Calderdale's Specialist Inclusion Team, you will play a key role in helping children and young people with SEND access education safely, confidently and successfully.

Working collaboratively with schools, colleges, families and professionals, you will provide specialist assessment, advice, training and practical support to ensure safe moving and handling practices are embedded across educational settings.

You will use your expertise to build the confidence and capability of staff, enabling them to effectively support children and young people whose needs require moving and handling assessments, equipment and specialist interventions.

• Undertake specialist moving and handling assessments for children and young people with SEND, identifying appropriate support, equipment and provision to promote safety, inclusion and positive outcomes.
• Work in partnership with schools, colleges and educational settings across Calderdale to build capacity and strengthen inclusive practice.
• Deliver specialist advice, guidance and support to staff, ensuring they feel confident in implementing moving and handling plans and risk assessments.
• Develop and deliver high-quality training programmes, including the Council's Moving and Handling training offer for educational settings.
• Maintain and quality assure pupil risk assessments, moving and handling records and the borough-wide sling database.
• Act as a key point of contact for schools and professionals seeking advice on moving and handling matters.
• Contribute to Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments, reviews and wider SEND processes in line with statutory responsibilities.
• Work collaboratively with children, young people, families and multi-agency partners to achieve the best possible outcomes.
• Promote a strong culture of health, safety and risk awareness, acting as a role model for good practice across settings.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of SEND services, strategy and inclusive practice across Calderdale.
• Maintain accurate records and data to support service delivery, quality assurance and reporting requirements.
• Keep your professional knowledge and specialist qualifications up to date, including annual Key Trainer and Risk Assessor updates.

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds a relevant qualification at Level 3 or above in SEND or a related field.
• Has experience supporting children and young people with SEND, particularly cognition and learning needs.
• Understands effective SEND interventions, approaches and support strategies.
• Has experience working in educational settings.
• Can build positive relationships with children, families, schools and professionals.
• Is committed to improving outcomes and opportunities for children and young people with SEND.

In Calderdale, you'll be part of a supportive and ambitious team that is committed to inclusion and ensuring all children and young people have the opportunity to thrive.

We offer flexible hybrid working, ongoing professional development…