Recruitment

Equity and justice is at the heart of everything we do at Sunshine Support, and from time to time we seek to expand our very passionate team.

You’ll find more information on the following current vacancies below.

Legal Adviser/Advocate – full time – UK-wide

Current Vacancies

LEGAL ADVISOR / ADVOCATE

FULL TIME 37.5 HOURS PER WEEK

We’re an energetic team who are seeking equity and justice for children with SEND and their families… Would you like to join us?

We are seeking an experienced legal adviser who is well versed in the current legislation in England and, preferably, Wales.

The main focus of the role will be to support, provide options and advocate for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND in England.

Our team has won awards for its work, and we’re well known for being positive change-makers with a sunny disposition. We’re proud to be an inclusive employer, with enormous flexibility and autonomy offered to all team members.

The Role will Involve...

Making a huge difference to the lives of the children and young people who’s parents and teachers we support
Developing your caseload / undertaking triage calls
Managing a very busy caseload
Producing statutory assessment requests on behalf of parents and schools
Negotiating with LAs
Attending meetings with LAs, schools and other stakeholders
Annual Reviews
Case management and co-ordination – ensuring effective strategy and planning in the gathering of independent evidence
Lodging appeals and managing tribunal preparation
All related matters that require advocacy/support
Providing reassurance to parents and carers
Hosting related webinars in conjunction with our partners
Producing PAP letters, working with external law firms to support the JR process

Essential and Desirable Criteria

In order to carry out the job, and ‘hit the ground running’ there are specific skills and experiences that we require from applicants. We would expect all candidates who are interested in working with us to be friendly, a strong team player, keen to share ideas and listen to others.

Excellent understanding and practical experience of the SEND CoP and legislation that underpins it - essential
Independent experience of requesting statutory assessments - essential
Independent experience of appealing and preparing for tribunal – desirable
Attending and advocating for families at meetings - essential
Annual reviews and the full annual review process - essential
Lodging appeals to the tribunal service – essential
Hosting training/presenting webinars – desirable
Understanding and awareness of available provision in England – desirable

Please evidence the above experience and skills on your CV in order to secure an interview.

Remuneration Details

£28,000-£40,000 (dependant on experience as a fee earner)
Full time hours
25 days holiday + bank holidays
Ongoing training and development
Provision of other wellbeing benefits
LOCATION: we work flexibly. Fully supported working from home, our office or hybrid
Flexible working, with full autonomy over your diary
MacBook, iPhone and other necessary equipment and software with full IT support
Staff discount of our own services

CURRENTLY OPEN FOR NEW APPLICATIONS

What do our team think?

Several years ago, on planning my return to work after maternity, I realised I needed more flexibility and autonomy than working in specialist education could offer. Joining Sunshine was the best move I could have made. I adore my colleagues and love how the organisation authentically respects the fact I have a family, and that family comes first. The flexibility makes an enormous difference to me and my wellbeing.

Kelly Jarvis, Senior SEN Advocate

This is the first workplace I’ve had where I don’t have to mask.

Teamwork is actual teamwork and absolutely every member of the team is supportive and incredibly lovely. Working boundaries are not only respected but actively encouraged!

This all makes Sunshine the absolute best

Kat Allen, Media Producer

It’s so much fun working at Sunshine Support; I can work around the need of my children and family which makes all the difference for me. My manager reinforces my boundaries so that I am not tempted to ‘dip’ into my emails when I’m away from the office – although it’s tempting as I really love the work I do!

Jessica Gould, PA to Managing Director

…