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SEND Parent Advocate & Family Support Volunteer

Children With Voices | CharityJob Advertisement

About Children With Voices

Children With Voices is a community-based charity supporting children, young people and families in Hackney and the surrounding communities. We are committed to creating inclusive opportunities, strengthening families and ensuring that children and young people receive the support they need to thrive.

We work with families from diverse backgrounds, including those navigating special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping them access support, build confidence and feel heard within their communities.

About the Role

We are looking for a compassionate, proactive and approachable SEND Parent Advocate & Family Support Volunteer to support parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Many families face challenges when navigating education, understanding their child's rights, accessing services and communicating with schools or other professionals. This volunteer role will help families feel supported, informed and empowered to advocate for their children.

Working alongside the Children With Voices team, you will help parents and carers navigate available support, access relevant information and identify appropriate services. You will contribute to creating a welcoming environment where families feel listened to, respected and understood.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about SEND inclusion, family support, advocacy and community work to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.

Key Responsibilities

• Parent and Carer Support: Provide a welcoming and supportive point of contact for parents and carers seeking guidance about their children's needs.
• SEND Information and Guidance: Help families access information about special educational needs and disabilities, available support services and relevant resources.
• Education Advocacy: Support parents in preparing for conversations with schools and other professionals, helping them communicate their concerns and understand available options.
• Signposting to Services: Identify and signpost families to appropriate organisations, community services, support groups and specialist agencies.
• Family Empowerment: Encourage parents and carers to feel confident advocating for their children's needs and accessing appropriate support.
• Administrative Support: Assist with maintaining accurate records of support provided, following the charity's confidentiality and data protection procedures.
• Community Engagement: Help promote awareness of SEND support and encourage families to engage with relevant community programmes.
• Inclusive Practice: Contribute to creating an inclusive, respectful and accessible environment for children, parents and carers.
• Follow-Up Support: Where appropriate, assist with following up with families to help them identify next steps and access relevant resources.
• Team Collaboration: Work with the Children With Voices team to identify recurring challenges faced by families and opportunities to improve the support available.

The volunteer will work within the charity's policies and agreed responsibilities. This role does not involve providing legal advice, clinical assessments or specialist professional advice.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about supporting families and improving outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A genuine interest in SEND inclusion, disability awareness and family support.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A compassionate, patient and non-judgemental approach to working with families.
• Strong listening skills and the ability to respond sensitively to individual circumstances.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality, safeguarding and professional boundaries.
• The ability to communicate information clearly and help families identify practical next steps.
• A collaborative approach and a willingness to learn about SEND services and available support.

Desirable experience:

• Experience supporting children with SEND or their parents and carers.
• Experience in education, social care, advocacy, community support or family services.
• Familiarity with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), the SEND Code of Practice or the process of accessing additional educational support.
• Experience signposting individuals to community resources or public services.
• Relevant training or qualifications in SEND, advocacy, family support or related fields.

Personal experience navigating SEND services as a parent or carer may also be valuable. However, applicants do not need to have personal experience if they can demonstrate the relevant skills, commitment and willingness to learn.

What You Will Gain

Volunteering with Children With Voices offers an opportunity to develop practical experience while making a meaningful contribution to families in the community.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Gain experience supporting parents and carers of children with SEND.
• Develop your communication, advocacy and family-support skills.
• Improve your understanding of SEND provision, educational support and community services.
• Build experience in signposting, community engagement and inclusive practice.
• Work alongside a team committed to supporting children and families.
• Strengthen your CV for future opportunities in education, social care, advocacy, family support or the charity sector.
• Make a positive difference by helping families feel informed, supported and empowered.

Time Commitment and Location

• Location: Hackney, London.
• Commitment: Flexible, to be agreed with the successful candidate.
• Duration: Ideally, a commitment of at least six months to support continuity for the families we serve.
• Working arrangements: To be discussed with the successful candidate.

Safeguarding and Recruitment

Children With Voices is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The successful candidate will be expected to follow the charity's safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection policies. Appropriate references, checks and safeguarding requirements will be determined in accordance with the responsibilities of the role.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about SEND inclusion, family advocacy and helping parents access the support their children need, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter explaining your interest in the role, relevant experience and how you would contribute to supporting families in our community.

We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to inclusion, empowerment and improving outcomes for children and young people.