Information, Advice & Support; IAS Officer

Salary £36,363 - £40,777 per annum. Permanent, Full Time, 37 hours per week. Quality Assurance, Inspection and Safeguarding.

This role is not open to international sponsorship.

We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Information, Advice & Support (IAS) Officer to join our team in Lancashire. This is a rewarding opportunity to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and their parents and carers, by providing free, impartial and confidential advice and support.

As a SENDIAS Officer, you will empower families to understand their rights, navigate services, and make informed decisions about education, health and social care. You will also play a key role in supporting individuals through mediation and SEND tribunals. This agile role includes frequent travel across the county and requires flexibility, willingness to visit schools, family hubs and other venues.

• Manage a complex caseload within a defined locality.
• Provide high‑quality, impartial advice via phone, email and face‑to‑face meetings.
• Support families to understand SEND processes and legislation, Education, Health & Care plans, and the Local Offer and available services.
• Work directly with children, young people and families to build confidence and promote participation.
• Support individuals through dispute resolution, mediation and tribunal processes.
• Help families have their voices heard.
• Collaborate with schools, health professionals and partner agencies.
• Deliver training sessions, group work and engagement activities.
• Maintain accurate records and monitor casework to support service improvement.

• Experienced in providing impartial advice and support in complex situations.
• Knowledgeable about SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and the Children and Families Act 2014.
• Skilled in communication, relationship‑building and conflict resolution.
• Confident working both independently and as part of a team.
• Able to manage a demanding workload and prioritise effectively.
• Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.

• Minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent).
• Experience of working with families, children or young people.
• Strong organisational, IT and record‑keeping skills.
• A commitment to equality, inclusion and safeguarding.
• A degree or previous experience in a SEND‑related role is desirable but not essential.

• Hybrid working and flexible hours.
• 26 days’ annual leave (rising to 32 with service) plus 10 bank holidays.
• Option to purchase additional leave.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Wide range of staff discounts and salary sacrifice schemes.

We value flexibility, collaboration and diverse perspectives. You’ll be part of a supportive service where your views matter, and where staff are empowered to deliver compassionate, high‑quality support for children and families.