Assessment and Planning Officer, 14-25

East Sussex County Council; Lewes; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

East Sussex County Council is seeking an Assessment and Planning Officer to coordinate, write, and review Education Health and Care Plans (EHC Plans) for children and young people. You will hold a caseload, visit schools, and collaborate with parents, carers, schools and professionals to ensure high-quality provision.

The role emphasises strong organisational and communication skills, with a focus on continuous professional development.

Qualifications

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload.
• Experience in Education, Social Care, or SEND is advantageous but not essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for reporting and liaison.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, write, and review Education Health and Care Plans (EHC Plans) for children and young people.
• Hold a caseload and visit schools to gather information.
• Work closely with parents/carers, young people, schools and other professionals to ensure high-quality provision.
• Support the SEND team and contribute to continuous service improvement.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Information summarisation

Organisational skills

CPD commitment

Education

Education background advantageous

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!

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.

We’re Looking For Candidates With

• 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

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 Warmly Welcome Applications From All Sections Of The Community. We Particularly Encourage Those From Group That Are Underrepresented In Our Current Workforce

• People under 30 years of age
• Men
• People from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds,
• people who are disabled
• people who identify as LGBTQ+

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 Tuesday 4 September 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.

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. This is an exciting opportunity for you to join us in championing change for children. 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).

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.

Make a real difference, help shape brighter futures for children and young people in East Sussex!

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 Susan Cotterill [e-mail] or via 01273 336740.

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.