Access and Inclusion Officer Full Time NEW

This is a rewarding and impactful role for a practitioner who is passionate about inclusion, attendance, and improving outcomes for children with SEND, health needs, or other significant barriers to education.

As Our New Access & Inclusion Officer, You Will

• Lead on Section 19 referrals, acting as the first point of contact and ensuring provision is arranged without delay
• Work directly with children, young people, families, schools and partner agencies to identify barriers to attendance and engagement
• Carry out casework, assessments and chair multi‑agency meetings
• Develop and quality‑assure reintegration and inclusion plans
• Track attendance, engagement and progress, using data to inform decision‑making and sufficiency planning

You will be working in a fast‑paced, high‑impact environment where professional judgement, problem‑solving and collaboration are essential.

We’re Looking For Someone Who Has

• A child‑centred, solution‑focused approach and the ability to work autonomously
• Experience working with families, schools and multi‑agency partners
• Confidence leading meetings and managing a complex caseload
• Experience working with children and young people with SEND and/or mental health needs
• A strong understanding of SEND legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014
• Excellent communication and report‑writing skills

You’ll be resilient, reflective, and able to balance challenge and support when working with families and professionals.

What We Offer

The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people

A supportive, experienced Specialist Teaching Team

Professional development and the chance to contribute to strategic service improvement

Flexible working arrangements where possible

This role is suitable as a job share opportunity.

As this role is public facing, applicants will need to demonstrate, at interview, their competency to converse and provide advice and guidance to members of the public, in spoken English to CEFR level C1: Can express themselves fluently and spontaneously, almost effortlessly. Only a conceptually difficult subject can hinder a natural, smooth flow of language.

Hybrid working arrangements are available for this role. Each role at CYC is different and your working arrangements will be determined based on the requirements of the role and in collaboration with you and your needs as part of the recruitment process. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team.

City of York Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We require the successful candidate to undertake an enhanced Criminal Record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.

For further information or an informal discussion please contact Lynne Johns at lynne.johns@york.gov.uk

Closing date: Sunday 10 May 2026 at 12 midnight

Interview date: Thursday 21 May 2026