Location
London Borough of Sutton

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£50,085 per annum

About the Borough
The London Borough of Sutton is situated less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Located in zone 5 with excellent transport links, Sutton boasts award-winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing, and great schools. The borough is known for high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, delivering quality services while addressing financial challenges and involving residents in key issues and local developments.
Sutton is investing continuously in the health, wellbeing, and education of its residents and future generations, as outlined in the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan. Home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton is developing the London Cancer Hub, aiming to become the world’s leading life-science district specializing in cancer research and treatment. This vision will create approximately 13,000 jobs and contribute £1.2bn annually to the UK economy. With regeneration projects including new homes and schools, Sutton is committed to working closely with residents and vulnerable groups to maintain independence and balance support with independent living.
The Council is a key driver within the South London Partnership, collaborating with four other outer southwest London boroughs on strategic growth, regeneration, and investment. Sutton aims to shape the borough’s future and adapt services to meet residents’ needs, making it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

About the Service and Team
The SEND Family Help and PFA Practice Lead role is within the SEND Family Help Service, reporting to the Designated Social Care Officer (DSCO). The service includes the DSCO and three family help teams, including a social work team supporting children and families with disabilities through targeted or specialist services and direct work.
Over the next 12 months, the service will expand and develop a physically co-located SEND Family Hub and Help Service in partnership with Public Health, Education, Health, and Children’s Services.
The SEND Family Hub and Help Service and PFA Hub will ensure families with SEND have early access to support and are assisted throughout their child’s journey into adulthood. These hubs will integrate services to support families in the community and foster strong partnerships between services.

About the Role and Our Ideal Candidate
The role’s purpose is to support the development of a joined-up support offer for children with SEND and their parents from a centrally located SEND Family Hub in Sutton, and to manage and further develop the Preparation for Adulthood (PFA) Hub.
You will develop a programme of activity aligned with universal and targeted provision for parents and children with SEND, focusing on families with children who have significant needs. This includes evaluating government guidance on parental support and groups for children, conducting a needs assessment of current provision, and further developing preparation for adulthood sessions for young people and their families at the PFA Hub.
You will manage this programme and supervise a parent/child support worker providing frontline support at the SEND Family Hub and assisting with project development.
We seek a candidate passionate about positive experiences and outcomes for children with SEND and their parents. You should be energetic, able to form strong working relationships with families and professionals, and skilled at bringing people together to develop a consistent, timely, and joined-up offer for families. Excellent management and planning skills with the ability to deliver good outcomes are essential.

Our Offer to You
We are committed to nurturing talent and supporting your career growth in a friendly, collaborative environment. Your ideas will be encouraged and supported by a dynamic management team.
Benefits include:
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 26-32 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption, and dependents leave
- Two volunteering days per year
- Flexible working through the Smarter Working Scheme (role dependent)
- Adjustable and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks
- Access to a learning and development portal with a range of courses
- Discounts at local shops, restaurants, gyms, and leisure centres
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle leasing scheme
- Confidential health, wellbeing, and counselling support

Application Process
Please apply online outlining your skills, abilities, and experience relevant to this role. Ensure your CV details are correctly uploaded. We value authenticity and expect personalised responses demonstrating your motivation and alignment with our PRIDE values.
We anonymise applications to reduce bias and encourage diverse interview panels. We are committed to removing barriers and enhancing workforce diversity.
The closing date is indicative; early application is advised as we may close the vacancy once sufficient applications are received.

Additional Information
We are proud to be a diverse and welcoming borough, striving to reflect the community we serve in our workforce. We offer family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working, staff engagement forums, and inclusive staff networks.
We are a disability confident employer and guarantee interviews for disabled applicants meeting essential criteria. As a London Living Wage Employer, all employees receive the London Living Wage.
Note that sponsorship for work visas is subject to eligibility and budget and cannot be guaranteed for all roles.

Experience
Experience working with children and families with SEND and knowledge of support services is highly desirable. Proven ability to manage and develop programmes and supervise staff is essential.

About you
You are passionate about improving outcomes for children with SEND and their families. You have excellent interpersonal skills, able to build strong relationships with families and professionals. You are energetic, collaborative, and able to lead the development of integrated support services. Strong management, planning, and organisational skills with the ability to deliver results are required.

Qualifications
Relevant professional qualifications in social care, education, or related fields are desirable. Commitment to continuous professional development and alignment with the Council’s values is expected.