Head of SEND Services

Our new DCS is building an exceptional team to deliver the very best outcomes for our children and young people. As our Head of SEND Services, you'll have a wide range of responsibilities, including EHCP assessments, specialist settings admissions and our innovative SEND Assessment Centre programme. You'll work closely with parents and carers and children and young people in the development of services and take a lead role in the development and implementation of the Council's SEND Strategy.

We're seeking an ambitious leader to inject pace to our SEND improvement plan. A leader who can take staff with them and foster excellent relationships across the council and with schools and parent carer forums. With a proven track record of SEND improvement, you'll be a subject matter expert with strong financial acumen. Experience of the Delivering Better Value (DBV) programme or Safety Valve would also be beneficial to thrive in this role.

In return, you'll be joining an ambitious council and a service which has embarked on an exciting transformation journey. You'll work with incredible practitioners as well as an empowering and nurturing leadership team who will support your development as a senior leader. You'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of our children and young people to ensure no child is left behind.

Come and be part of something unique and reimagine the possibilities.

Empowering Everyone
We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

At Suffolk County Council, we're reimagining what local government can achieve. We're a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and making a real difference in our communities.

This is a time of exciting and positive change in Suffolk. We've made great strides in our children and young people services improvement journey, supported by our excellent corporate leadership team, chief executive, and elected members. However, we know we still have a long way to go and face a number of challenges across a complex landscape.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you'll enjoy:

up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!