Assessment and Planning Officer, 0-13

East Sussex County Council; Lewes; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD programme

Professional development

County Hall café

Job summary

East Sussex County Council is recruiting an Assessment and Planning Officer in Lewes to coordinate, write and review Education Health and Care Plans for children and young people. You’ll hold a caseload, visit schools and collaborate with parents, carers and professionals to secure high-quality provision.

Experience in education, social care or SEND is helpful, but strong organisational skills and a drive to improve outcomes are essential.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to gather and summarise complex information and write clearly.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, write and review Education Health and Care Plans (EHC Plans) for children and young people.
• Hold a caseload and visit schools as part of assessment work.
• Work closely with parents/carers, young people, schools and other professionals to ensure high-quality provision.
• Support delivery of SEND services and contribute to continuous service improvement.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Clear written communication

Organisational skills

CPD commitment

Job description

Job Description

Are you passionate about public service and supporting children with SEND and their families? Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to build on your existing skills and experience, we want to hear from you! This is an exciting opportunity for you to join us in championing change for children. Make a real difference, help shape brighter futures for children and young people in East Sussex! Working within a local authority offers a wealth of career development opportunities. As an Assessment and Planning Officer, you’ll play a vital role in coordinating, writing, and reviewing Education Health and Care Plans (EHC Plans) for children and young people. You’ll hold a caseload, visit schools, and work closely with parents/carers, young people, schools, and other key professionals to ensure high-quality provision for children. Location is County Hall in Lewes which is just a short walk from the town centre and train station, with on-site parking available at a reduced rate for employees. While a background in education, social care, or special educational needs is advantageous, it’s not essential. What matters most is your exceptional organisational skills and your drive to make a positive impact.

We’re Looking For Candidates With

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to gather and summarise complex information and write in a clear, structured way
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload
• A commitment to continuous professional development

We warmly welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are working towards a workforce that reflects the communities we serve because we recognise the value of different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. We are working towards recruiting a workforce that reflects our community, because we recognise the value of diverse perspectives and experiences.

Interviews are scheduled for Friday 09 October 2026 and will be held in person at County Hall, Lewes. If you’re unable to attend on this date, please mention this in your application.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

This is a challenging but rewarding role, and you’ll be well supported by colleagues and the wider team and have access to high-quality, ongoing CPD.

What can we offer you?

• A motivated team committed to the continuous improvement of outcomes for children and young people.
• A commitment to a model of reflective practice based on regular supervision to support all employees in their professional development.
• A continued professional development (CPD) programme to ensure your personal and professional skills and knowledge are enhanced and developed to support the performance of the service.
• A fellow team of motivated and committed professionals, and a supportive wider management team.
• We also offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
• County Hall provides a café with a full range of hot and cold lunches, snacks and drinks with seating both indoors and out.

We also offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, contact Holly Woods, 0-13 Service Manager, on 01273 336740.

East Sussex County Council is committed to offering excellent CPD for staff. The Assessment and Planning Team is part of the wider Special Educational Needs & Disability Service (SEND).

For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex!

About Us

Additional Information

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record . Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.