SOS!SEN: Volunteer Opportunity

Applications for this opportunity will open in October 2024.

About SOS!SEN:

SOS!SEN is a committed organization with a vision to ensure that all children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in England receive the appropriate education, health, and care support. We aim to empower them to reach their full potential as learners and as skilled, independent individuals.

We are dedicated to empowering parents, young people, and carers by providing them with knowledge about their rights and entitlements. Our services include quality legally-based advice and strategic guidance, helping them to navigate the educational system and ensure their rights are upheld. Additionally, we foster a community for parents and carers, promoting the sharing of experiences and support. We also engage in awareness-raising activities, training, campaigning, and lobbying to address the challenges within the SEND system, and we work to educate teachers and local authorities to help them meet their legal obligations to children and young people with SEND.

Volunteer Role Description:

Meet and greet volunteers:
SOS!SEN is currently seeking two proactive and compassionate student volunteers to join our team to meet and greet clients at the Waterloo Advice Centre. This role involves:

Arriving 15/30 minutes before the centre opens at 5.30 PM.
Taking direction from the Advice Centre (AC) lead.
Meeting and greeting parents, and entering their details into our database.
Guiding visitors to the appropriate areas within the centre.
Opportunities to shadow experienced advisors who provide support to parents.

PAP Letter Writing Volunteers:

Volunteers will be responsible for drafting pre action protocol letters under the supervision of a qualified solicitor
This will also involve follow-ups with local authorities

In addition to these responsibilities, volunteers will receive basic training in SEND law. This placement is an excellent opportunity for individuals who have a keen interest in disability, neurodivergence issues, SEND, or education more generally.

What Will Volunteers Gain?

By participating in this volunteer program, students will:

Gain practical experience in a supportive and impactful organization.
Develop interpersonal skills through interaction with parents, young people, and professionals.
Enhance their understanding of SEND law and the challenges within the educational system.
Have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.

Time Commitment:

Meet and Greet Volunteers at the Wateloo advice centre are expected to commit to volutneering on the last Thursday of every month at the Waterloo Advice Centre, apart from during exams and term holidays. Time commitments for volunteering ath the Peckham Advice Centre are to Be determined.

PAP letter writing volunteers will be expected to commit 2 hours per week, remotely.

CAJ Mandatory Volutneer Training

In addition to SOS!SEN's internal training, all students be required to complete the CAJ Mandatory Volunteer training, which covers data protection and confidentiality, working with vulnerable clients, professional conduct and regulation, self-care, and our expectations of CAJ volunteers.

Pro Bono Skills Development Framework

The Centre for Access to Justice now offers all students engaged in voluntary pro bono the opportunity to participate in the Pro Bono Skills Development Framework . This framework allows you to reflect on the skills gained during your placement, aligned with the Aurora Competence Framework. Completing it earns you a Certificate of Commitment to Pro Bono, acknowledging your dedication and skill development. Your participation will help you document and showcase the valuable competencies you've developed, however, please note that participation in the PBSDF scheme is entirely voluntary and will not affect your placement in any way.

Who Can Apply:

The Meet and Greet role is open to all LLB and LLM students, and the PAP letter writing role is open to LLB students in Year 3+ and LLM Students. The roles are open to those who have a passion for supporting individuals with SEND and are eager to contribute to the mission of SOS!SEN.

How to Apply: