Lancashire County Council
SEND Information, Advice & Support (IAS) Liaison Officer
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Job Description
Information, Advice & Support Team (SENDIASS)
£28,142 - £32,062
18.5 Hours, Part time
Permanent
County Hall, Preston
About The Role
We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) IAS Liaison Officer to join Lancashire's SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).
This is a rewarding part-time opportunity (18.5 hours per week) to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), alongside their parents and carers, by providing free, impartial and confidential information, advice and support.
As an SEND IAS Liaison Officer, you will be the first point of contact for many families, helping them to understand SEND processes, available support and their rights within education, health and social care services. You will work directly with children, young people and families, providing timely advice and guidance while building confidence, promoting participation and enabling informed decision-making.
This is an agile role and will include travel across Lancashire. You will be required to work flexibly in a range of settings, including Family Hubs, schools, community venues and other locations to meet the needs of the service and the families we support.
What You'll Be Doing
- Support the day-to-day operations of the helpline as a first point of contact answering calls, emails and contact forms with oversight from experienced SEND IAS Officers on more complex cases.
- Provide high-quality, impartial information, advice and support via telephone, email, online and face-to-face meetings.
- Support children, young people and families to understand:
- SEND processes and available support.
- Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and plans.
- The Local Offer and other relevant services.
- Rights, responsibilities and available options.
- Empower parents/carers to participate in decision-making and express their views.
- Signpost families to appropriate services and sources of support.
- Build effective relationships with schools, settings, professionals and partner organisations.
- Deliver awareness-raising activities, presentations and training sessions to families, professionals and community groups.
- Support engagement activities within Family Hubs and community venues.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to service monitoring and continuous improvement.
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About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
- Skilled in communicating with a wide range of people, including children, young people, families and professionals.
- Able to build positive relationships and work collaboratively with others.
- Organised and able to manage competing priorities effectively.
- Confident working independently as well as part of a supportive team.
- Committed to inclusion, participation and person-centred practice.
You will also have:
- Experience of working with children, young people, families or within a customer-focused support environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good organisational, IT and record-keeping skills.
- The ability to explain information clearly and sensitively.
- A commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding and confidentiality.
Knowledge of SEND legislation and the SEND Code of Practice would be advantageous, although training and ongoing support will be provided.
Job Description And Person Specification
Why Join Us?
We offer hybrid working, flexible hours and a culture that prioritises wellbeing.
You'll receive 26 days' annual leave (rising to 32 with service), 10 bank holidays (Full time equivalent), and the option to purchase additional leave. You will also have access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, an Employee Assistance Programme, and a wide range of staff discounts and salary sacrifice schemes.
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We value flexibility, collaboration and diverse perspectives. You'll be part of a friendly and supportive team that is passionate about empowering children, young people and families and ensuring their voices are heard.
This post is offered on a part-time basis, working 18.5 hours per week, providing an excellent opportunity to balance a rewarding career with other commitments.
How To Apply
Please refer to the job description and person specification for further information on the scope and responsibilities of the role. Ensure you address all essential criteria identified for assessment at application stage within your supporting statement. Some criteria will also be assessed at interview.
Please upload your CV and a covering letter before submitting your application. Additional documentation will not be accepted after the closing date.
You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use.
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful, you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a disclosure.
For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact:
Jessica Hyett
Jessica.hyett@lancashire.gov.uk
Closing Date: 14/08/26
Proposed Interview Date: 28/08/26
Proposed start date: 03/11/26
If you are passionate about supporting children, young people and families and want to make a meaningful difference in your local community, we would love to hear from you.
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