Incredible vacancy: SEND Family Advocate

Could you be an incredible advocate?

Incredible Kids is a grassroots Christian charity based in Bristol, dedicated to providing a safe haven and vital support network for disabled children, young individuals, and their families. Our mission extends beyond offering play sessions; we aim to empower overlooked communities, advocate for systemic enhancements, and champion inclusivity and compassion in society.

This is a new role at Incredible Kids so you will help to develop the advocacy service by identifying the best way to provide support to families. As a SEND Family Advocate at Incredible Kids, working within our family sessions you will provide accurate guidance, advocacy support, group workshops and empowerment to families with disabled children. You will work directly with families, helping them understand their entitlements and navigate complex systems across education, social care, and benefits. By doing so, you will contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society where every individual feels supported, and empowered to get the best outcomes for their family.

Location: Incredible Kids at The Vench, Lockleaze Bristol on Saturdays. Hybrid role with flexibility to work from home at other times.

Hours: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturdays, 5 hours worked flexibly on weekdays. Alternative working patterns will be considered. Term time only working patterns can be considered. Job Share also considered.

Position Type: Part-time. 10 hours per week.

Organisation Overview:

Incredible Kids is a grassroots Christian charity based in Bristol, dedicated to providing a safe haven and vital support network for disabled children, young individuals, and their families. Our mission extends beyond offering play sessions; we aim to empower overlooked communities, advocate for systemic enhancements, and champion inclusivity and compassion in society.

Responsibilities:

To develop the advocacy service within Incredible Kids to include consultations, signposting, monthly group sessions, and immediate support during our family support sessions. Offer accurate information about legal entitlements and rights within education, social care, and benefit systems in a combination of ways.

Assist families with guidance to help them produce statutory assessment requests using template documents.

Maintain records of consultations: Ensure confidentiality and data protection compliance.

Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant policies, legislation, and services: Provide up-to-date and informed support to families.

Participate in online training, workshops, and professional development opportunities: Enhance skills and knowledge in SEND advocacy and support.

Qualifications:

Experience working as an independant SEND advocate or advisor for families.

Understanding of the legal framework and entitlements related to SEND support, education, social care, and benefits. Ideally Level 3 IPSEA training or equivalent or a willingness to undertake the training on acceptance of the role funded by Incredible Kids.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with diverse families in an adaptable and flexible way.

Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks.

Compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach towards supporting families facing challenges.

Remuneration Details:

£26,000-28,000 FTE ( Pro rata for part time hours) dependant on SEND advocacy experience

Part time hours

Laptop and phone provided with IT support

Wellbeing support through Health Assured

Charity worker discounts

Online training portal

How to apply:

To apply complete our online application form

Deadline for applications: Saturday 27th July

Interview questions:

• Can you describe a situation where you successfully advocated for a family with a disabled child to access essential services or support? What strategies did you employ, and what was the outcome?
• How do you stay updated on changes in legislation, policies, and services relevant to families with disabled children? Can you provide an example of how this knowledge has benefited your work?
• Communication with families is crucial in this role. Can you share a time when you had to convey complex information or navigate sensitive topics with a family? How did you ensure effective communication and understanding?
• Collaboration with external agencies and professionals is a key aspect of this position. Can you give an example of a successful partnership you developed to better support a family with a disabled child? What was the outcome of this collaboration?
• In your opinion, what are the most common challenges faced by families of disabled children when navigating support systems? How do you approach addressing these challenges in your work?
• This role requires empathy, resilience, and strong interpersonal skills. Can you discuss a time when you faced a particularly challenging situation in supporting a family with a disabled child? How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Can you describe a time when you went above and beyond to support someone in need? How did your actions reflect your personal values and how do you see these values aligning with our organisation’s mission to create an inclusive and supportive community for all families?
• Additional clarification or follow up questions may be asked.