We are looking for a motivated and experienced SEND Development Officer to join our Education and Inclusion service and play a key role in shaping education provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 0–25, with a particular focus on 14–25 and Preparing for Adulthood (PfA).
This is an exciting opportunity to help deliver North Yorkshire’s Local Area SEND Strategy, working closely with colleagues, partners, young people and families to ensure there is sufficient, high‑quality provision that supports positive transitions into adulthood.
What you’ll be doing
In this strategic and varied role, you will:
- Support the implementation, review and monitoring of the Local Area SEND Strategy, with a strong focus on Preparing for Adulthood.
- Work closely with the Lead SEND Development Officer to plan, commission, monitor and quality‑assure SEND education provision, particularly post‑16, post‑19 and alternative provision.
- Promote and embed Preparing for Adulthood approaches across education, health and care partners.
- Use data and forecasting to help ensure future sufficiency of SEND provision across the continuum.
- Develop and implement policies, procedures and local approaches that improve outcomes for young people with SEND.
- Build strong relationships with providers, health and social care colleagues, neighbouring local authorities, young people and their families.
- Contribute to reports, strategic planning, performance monitoring and responses for senior leaders and elected members.
- Champion co‑production, inclusion and the voices of children, young people and parents/carers.
What we’re looking for
You will bring:
- Extensive experience working in children’s services, particularly within a SEND legislative context.
- In‑depth knowledge of SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice, Children and Families Act 2014, Care Act 2014 and Preparing for Adulthood guidance.
- Experience of strategic planning, service development, commissioning or change management.
- Strong communication, negotiation and partnership‑working skills.
- Confidence working with complex data, performance information and financial considerations.
- A values‑driven approach with a strong commitment to inclusion, equality and co‑production.
You’ll be educated to degree level or equivalent experience, comfortable working across organisations, and able to manage a varied workload in a complex and sometimes fast‑moving environment.
This role is based at County Hall, Northallerton, with travel across the county as required. Occasional evening and weekend working may be needed.
A DBS check is required.
Why join us?
- Make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people with SEND
- Work at a strategic level while staying connected to real outcomes for families
- Be part of a collaborative, values‑led service focused on continuous improvement
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
If you are passionate about SEND, strategic development and Preparing for Adulthood, we would love to hear from you.
Key documents
Job description.pdf
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