Lead Officer - Preparation for Adulthood

Salary details: £ - £

Our vision is that all children and young people with SEND will be empowered to make choices which lead to fulfilled lives where they are included in their local community socially, access meaningful employment, are physically and emotionally healthy and live as independently as possible.

Derbyshire’s vision for its children and young people extends into their lives as young adults and the preparation they require for entering adulthood. This is a key development area across the county and an opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, innovative and motivated person who is committed to improving the outcomes of all young people with additional needs in line with this vision. 

The Lead Officer: Preparation for Adulthood will play a crucial role in delivering a strategy which recognises the need to provide Derbyshire’s young people with independence and confidence in reaching their goals, remaining healthy, maintaining friendships and securing employment wherever possible. This work forms a crucial part of the wide-ranging transformation of provision for special educational needs and disability (SEND) within Derbyshire.  It is an exciting time to join a committed and motivated team.   

The post holder will also take a crucial role in supporting the strategic leadership of inclusion development. This is an opportunity to contribute to development of the service through an important period of change, and we are looking for an individual with high aspirations for all children and young people, strong and proven leadership skills and the ability to influence others to maximise their positive impact on the lives of young people.

You will need to bring:

In-depth knowledge of the Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) agenda and the characteristics of excellent practice to provide effective outcomes for young people.

Experience of leadership and management in a local authority (LA), a Post 16 provider and SEND.

Experience of effecting and influencing change

Knowledge of a range of funding models that support young people beyond the age of 14.

Experience of the implementation of statutory process for education health and care assessment, planning and review, including disagreement resolution and tribunal.

Experience of applying policies, practice and statutory regulations in a LA and provider context

An excellent understanding of inclusive education for young adults

You should be qualified to degree level. Additional qualifications in working with young people with needs are welcomed.

For more detailed information about the above opportunity please contact Michael Lane – Strategic Lead for All Age Inclusion – Michael.lane@derbyshire.gov.uk

Provisional Interview Date:  27 February 2023 

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.