Jobs

An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS).
 
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
In this role, you will provide impartial, accurate, and up-to-date information, advice and support to parents, carers, children and young people (16–25) with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You will empower families to make informed decisions and help them navigate and resolve issues relating to education, health and social care.

To be successful, you will need to be dynamic and have experience working within SEND. A strong knowledge of SEND legislation and practice—particularly the Children and Families Act and the SEND Code of Practice—is essential. This includes understanding the Graduated Approach, EHC assessments, Education, Health & Care (EHC) plans, and annual reviews.

A key part of the role will involve undertaking casework, communicating confidently, accurately and sensitively with families in an impartial and non-judgemental manner. You will support parents, carers and young people by offering clear guidance and ensuring they understand their rights and options.

The work is both challenging and rewarding, and full legal training will be provided. Our service is statutory and operates at arm’s length from the Local Authority. We are known for our prompt responses, solution-focused approach, and strong working relationships with schools, settings, the Local Authority and partner organisations. As part of the SENDIASS team, you will contribute to delivering high-quality, impartial support on SEND legislation, policy and practice.

If you would like to find out more about the role, we encourage you to contact Lisa Kirton, SENDIASS Coordinator, at lisa.kirton@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion.
 
WHAT WILL I NEED?

• An Honours Degree in a relevant field such as Education, Health or Social Care is essential.

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria. 
 
If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

Our commitment to safeguarding 
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List and Adults Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity.

Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children, adults, or both.

INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held week commencing the 13th April 2026.
 
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
 
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website 

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
 
HOW TO APPLY 
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.
 
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentCYPS@durham.gov.uk
 
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
 
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Company: Durham County Council

Salary: £35,412 - £39,152

Location: Durham, Durham

Sector: Education

Job Role: Officer