Neurodiversity Support Manager, Ministry of Justice, Milton Keynes – Visa Sponsorship Available

The Ministry of Justice is seeking a Neurodiversity Support Manager for a 12-month maternity cover position in Milton Keynes. This full-time role is ideal for experienced support professionals, including Nigerian and African immigrants, as visa sponsorship is explicitly available for foreign applicants. Offering a competitive salary of £41,197 - £45,316, this position also boasts flexible working arrangements, making it an attractive opportunity for those looking to build a career in the UK civil service.

Job Description

This management position within an establishment focuses on leading support for prisoners with neurodivergent needs. The successful candidate will be instrumental in developing and implementing a 'whole system' principle, collaborating closely with various stakeholders to ensure individuals are supported to achieve and progress through Education, Skills, and Work pathways throughout their sentence.

Key responsibilities include liaising with the Head of Education Skills and Work (HoESW), Learning and Skills Manager (LSM), Industry Managers (IMs), and the education provider to facilitate engagement in educational and work activities. The Neurodiversity Support Manager will also provide crucial guidance to ensure all staff and stakeholders share a unified vision and ethos of neurodiversity, promoting a whole-prison improvement approach that supports wider enhancements across the estate.

Requirements

• Experience operating in a specialist neurodiversity role.
• Experience working within the Special Educational Needs/Additional Learning Needs and Disabilities field.
• Detailed knowledge of OFSTED/Estyn’s EIF (Education Inspection Framework) and further education and skills criteria.
• Substantial teaching experience with strategies for developing accessible and appropriate resources.
• History of developing highly effective partnerships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English.
• For foreign applicants, a valid UK work visa or eligibility for Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa sponsorship is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of £41,197 - £45,316.
• Excellent flexible working options.
• Opportunity to work within the prestigious Ministry of Justice.
• Visa sponsorship available for eligible foreign applicants.
• Non-rotational, non-operational role with no line management responsibilities.
• Contribution to a critical support function within the justice system.

How to Prepare

For this Neurodiversity Support Manager role, Nigerian and African immigrants should focus on showcasing their expertise in neurodiversity and special educational needs. Highlight any experience with developing support strategies or working in multi-agency settings, ensuring your CV is tailored to UK standards, emphasizing measurable achievements and the impact of your work. Ensure your LinkedIn profile reflects your professional journey and aligns with the requirements of UK employers.

When preparing for the interview, be ready to discuss your approach to developing and maintaining neurodiversity strategies, managing data, and upskilling workforces. For visa-sponsored applicants, be confident in discussing your eligibility and commitment to the role, demonstrating a clear understanding of the UK's immigration requirements and your long-term career aspirations within the UK.

• Ensure your CV is in a UK-optimised format, highlighting relevant experience in neurodiversity or SEND.
• Prepare a compelling cover letter that directly addresses the job description and your suitability, including your understanding of the UK's educational and support frameworks.
• Brush up on your knowledge of OFSTED/Estyn’s EIF and its application in support settings.
• Be ready to discuss how you've implemented change or innovation in an educational or support context.
• Practice articulating your experience in developing partnerships and managing data related to neurodiversity.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa / Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship IS available for this position, meaning foreign applicants residing outside the UK are welcome to apply. The Ministry of Justice has explicitly advertised this role as open to overseas candidates who require a UK work visa. If your current visa status is complex or borderline, it is advisable to clearly state your situation in your application or cover letter and be prepared to discuss it further during the recruitment process.