Job Details
KEY PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The post holder will be responsible for managing a caseload. This will involve assessing new applications for travel assistance against Southwark’s Travel Assistance policy, recommending suitable travel options for those assessed as eligible and managing the caseload there onwards.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTATBILITIES
1. To maintain a fully integrated travel assistance application process that caters for children and young adults that the local authority has a duty to provide travel assistance to (currently 0 – 25 years).
2. To ensure all travel assistance documentation is clear, easy to access for all stakeholders, is up to date and has been coordinated with other teams, as appropriate, to ensure a joined up approach across the local authority.
3. To assess the eligibility of all applicants in accordance with the travel assistance policy and make recommendations accordingly.
4. To manage a robust appeals system, that enables reviews to take place in an effective and prompt manner, to include the establishing of panels where necessary and the development and maintenance of all associated documentation.
5. To prepare cases on behalf of the local authority for personal transport budget appeal hearings
6. To lead on the publicising of service initiatives with families, to achieve the best possible outcome, for both children and young adults, with the emphasis on supporting families to have less dependence on transport, e.g. through independence travel training, personal transport budgets, etc. and promoting independence for all service users.
7. To coordinate the investigation and response to complaints made to transport, including MPs enquiries.
8. To maintain expert knowledge of relevant legislation, guidelines and policies that affect children and young people that are relevant to their travel assistance and to keep transport team colleagues informed of any changes.
9. To maintain productive working relationships with representatives from providers and respond to enquiries promptly and professionally. To utilise current resources appropriately, ensuring best practice and to put forward ideas for the use of any resource currently under utilised.
10. To undertake other duties appropriate to the post that may reasonably be required from time to time.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE Criteria
1 Educated to GCSE level (5 passes to include Maths & English Language) or equivalent and at least 3 years experience in a similar role E
2 Experience working in a Home to School Transport Team D
KNOWLEDGE
3 An understanding of SEND Travel Assistance Services, for children and young people in education, up to the age of 25, in line with current legislation. D
4 Knowledge of Safeguarding and Data Protection. D
APTITUDE AND SKILLS
5 Ability to assess children and young people against the Council’s Travel Assistance Policy and decide whether or not they meet the eligibility criteria. E
6 Ability to prepare appeal cases E
7 Ability to manage a high caseload with conflicting priorities E
8 Numerically competent to manage Personal Budgets within caseload
9 Ability to show empathy and sensitivity when dealing with children/young people, their families, schools and other Stakeholder, always acting in a professional and fair manner. E
10 Ability to strive for excellence and continuing improvements to the service to achieve the highest possible level of customer service. E
11 Willingness to undertake additional training, as and when required, in order to keep up to date with relevant legislation, etc. E
12 Ability to communicate effectively, both internally and externally, both verbally and in writing. E
13 Ability to competently use Microsoft Office programmes – Excel, Word E
If you are interested in this role please do reach out to me via email or telephone!
amberrayment@carringtonblakerecruitment.com
020 753 766 07
