Job summary

Communication and Interaction Advisory Support Worker Join Oxfordshire's Experts at Hand programme and help improve outcomes for children and young people with Communication and Interaction needs, including Autism. As a Communication and Interaction Advisory Support Worker, you will work closely with Specialist Advisory Teachers, schools, families and partner organisations to help mainstream settings develop inclusive approaches that enable children and young people to thrive. Through practical support, targeted interventions, coaching and modelling of effective strategies, you will help schools strengthen their understanding and support of pupils with Communication and Interaction differences. Working across primary and secondary schools throughout Oxfordshire, you will support children and young people to develop confidence, participation, independence and positive educational experiences. A key part of the role involves building capacity within schools by sharing specialist knowledge, helping staff develop effective inclusive practices and promoting approaches that improve engagement, wellbeing and achievement. You will collaborate with families and professionals to provide joined-up support while ensuring the voices of children and young people remain central to decision-making. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about inclusion, enjoys working directly with children and schools and wants to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people with SEND.

Main duties of the job

As a Communication and Interaction Advisory Support Worker, you will support children and young people with Communication and Interaction differences, including Autism, within mainstream schools. Through targeted interventions, staff coaching and partnership working with families and professionals, you will help create inclusive environments where pupils can participate, achieve and thrive.

About us

Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust are working together to transform support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through the innovative Experts at Hand programme. By bringing together education, health and care professionals, the programme provides earlier intervention, strengthens inclusion within mainstream schools and helps ensure children receive the right support at the right time. The Communication and Interaction Support Service is a key part of this vision, supporting schools across Oxfordshire to develop inclusive environments for children and young people with Communication and Interaction differences, including Autism. Through collaboration, specialist expertise and practical support, the service helps schools build confidence, strengthen provision and improve outcomes for pupils with SEND.

Details

Date posted

18 September 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£47,665 to £50,909 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

VPA7D8B35B

Job locations

Oxford

OX2 0PH

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

About you

Are you skilled at bringing people together? Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people? Were looking for an experienced Project Manager to drive delivery of our new Education & Inclusion Strategy in partnership with local schools and education settings.

About us

Its a really exciting time to join us. As the Project Manager for our Education & Inclusion Strategy, youll turn vision into measurable change, working with a range of local partners to remove barriers to learning, narrow the gap in education outcomes, and improve provision from early years to post-16.

You may also be involved in the wide range of other projects supported by the children, education & families transformation team, which range from children's social care to SEND reform, digital transformation to early help & prevention.

About the role

Guided by our values always learning, kind and caring, and daring to do it differently youll align stakeholders, data and delivery to achieve fair access and better outcomes for all learners. In this role you will lead and manage a programme of work focused on inclusion and educational improvement; work collaboratively with schools, partners and internal stakeholders to embed strategic priorities; establish robust governance, reporting and benefits realisation across all workstreams; drive evidence-based planning with clear milestones, risks and KPIs; and champion innovation and continuous improvement so delivery stays on time, to budget and to quality standards.

Youll bring proven experience in project or programme management within an education, inclusion or transformation context; strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across multi-agency environments; the ability to manage complex projects to time, cost and quality; excellent skills in planning, risk, benefits and performance reporting; and an understanding of the education and inclusion landscape (desirable).

Rewards and benefits

Rewards and benefits include annual leave starting at 30 days plus bank holidays, flexible and hybrid working, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (employer contribution up to 19.9%), an Employee Assistance Programme, cycle to work and electric car schemes, staff discounts and wellbeing support. Find out more:https://jobs.oxfordshire.gov.uk/our-benefits

Please note due to local government reorganisation this is a fixed-term role until the end of March 2028.

To apply, please complete the online application form, with a focus on explaining how you meet the requirements of the role and person specification. For your application to be considered, please tailor your supporting statement to outline how you meet the criteria for this specific role and what motivates you to apply.

Please use your own words - applications which make overt use of AI will not be considered.

Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.

Our commitment to:Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of colleague network groups which provide peersupport, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a DisabilityConfidentemployer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We arecommittedto helping andsupportingthose transitioning from HM ArmedForcesto civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council arecommittedto safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers tosharethiscommitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, jobsharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us onLinkedIn,Facebook,Twitter andInstagram.

Job description Job responsibilities About youAre you skilled at bringing people together? Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people? Were looking for an experienced Project Manager to drive delivery of our new Education & Inclusion Strategy in partnership with local schools and education settings.About usIts a really exciting time to join us. As the Project Manager for our Education & Inclusion Strategy, youll turn vision into measurable change, working with a range of local partners to remove barriers to learning, narrow the gap in education outcomes, and improve provision from early years to post-16.You may also be involved in the wide range of other projects supported by the children, education & families transformation team, which range from children's social care to SEND reform, digital transformation to early help & prevention.About the roleGuided by our values always learning, kind and caring, and daring to do it differently youll align stakeholders, data and delivery to achieve fair access and better outcomes for all learners. In this role you will lead and manage a programme of work focused on inclusion and educational improvement; work collaboratively with schools, partners and internal stakeholders to embed strategic priorities; establish robust governance, reporting and benefits realisation across all workstreams; drive evidence-based planning with clear milestones, risks and KPIs; and champion innovation and continuous improvement so delivery stays on time, to budget and to quality standards.Youll bring proven experience in project or programme management within an education, inclusion or transformation context; strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across multi-agency environments; the ability to manage complex projects to time, cost and quality; excellent skills in planning, risk, benefits and performance reporting; and an understanding of the education and inclusion landscape (desirable).Rewards and benefitsRewards and benefits include annual leave starting at 30 days plus bank holidays, flexible and hybrid working, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (employer contribution up to 19.9%), an Employee Assistance Programme, cycle to work and electric car schemes, staff discounts and wellbeing support. Find out more:https://jobs.oxfordshire.gov.uk/our-benefits Please note due to local government reorganisation this is a fixed-term role until the end of March 2028.To apply, please complete the online application form, with a focus on explaining how you meet the requirements of the role and person specification. For your application to be considered, please tailor your supporting statement to outline how you meet the criteria for this specific role and what motivates you to apply.Please use your own words - applications which make overt use of AI will not be considered.Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.Our commitment to:Equality, Diversity and InclusionAt Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of colleague network groups which provide peersupport, education and safe spaces for all.Our commitment to:Guaranteed Interview SchemesAs a DisabilityConfidentemployer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We arecommittedto helping andsupportingthose transitioning from HM ArmedForcesto civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.Our commitment to:SafeguardingOxfordshire County Council arecommittedto safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers tosharethiscommitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.Our commitment to:Flexible WorkingWe are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, jobsharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.Follow us on Social MediaStay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us onLinkedIn,Facebook,Twitter andInstagram.

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

• Please refer to job description above

Desirable

• Please refer to job description above

Person Specification General Requirements Essential Please refer to job description above Desirable Please refer to job description above

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Oxford

OX2 0PH

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Oxford

OX2 0PH

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)