Dispute Resolution Officer

Bradford Corporation; Bradford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Bradford Council is seeking an experienced SEND Dispute Resolution Officer to join the SEND Integrated Assessment & Psychology Service, leading early resolution of disputes related to EHC assessments, plans, provision and placements.

You will work with families, schools, professionals and legal representatives to resolve issues quickly and effectively, reducing formal complaints and Tribunal appeals wherever possible.

Qualifications

• Experience in SEND dispute resolution.
• Ability to build relationships with families and professionals.
• Knowledge of SEND legislation and dispute resolution best practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead on SEND dispute resolution cases, managing concerns, disagreements and complaints.
• Facilitate positive and solution-focused discussions between families, educational settings and professionals.
• Support SEND Tribunal processes, including preparing responses, evidence bundles and statements.
• Provide specialist advice on SEND legislation, dispute resolution and best practice.
• Review complex cases and make recommendations to support lawful, proportionate and child-centred decision making.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, schools, health professionals and other stakeholders.
• Analyse trends in disputes, complaints and appeals to support service improvement.
• Contribute to training and the development of strategies that reduce complaint escalation and Tribunal activity.

Job description

Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Do you have the skills to manage complex situations, build positive relationships and find practical solutions where disagreements arise? We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated SEND Dispute Resolution Officer to join our SEND Integrated Assessment & Psychology Service. This is a key role within our SEND service, leading on the early resolution of disputes and concerns relating to Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessments, plans, provision and placements. You will work closely with families, schools, professionals and legal representatives to resolve issues quickly and effectively, reducing the need for formal complaints and Tribunal appeals wherever possible. As our SEND Dispute Resolution Officer, you will:

• Lead on SEND dispute resolution cases, managing concerns, disagreements and complaints.
• Facilitate positive and solution-focused discussions between families, educational settings and professionals.
• Support SEND Tribunal processes, including preparing responses, evidence bundles and statements.
• Provide specialist advice on SEND legislation, dispute resolution and best practice.
• Review complex cases and make recommendations to support lawful, proportionate and child-centred decision making.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, schools, health professionals and other stakeholders.
• Analyse trends in disputes, complaints and appeals to support service improvement.
• Contribute to training and the development of strategies that reduce complaint escalation and Tribunal activity.

Employee OfferWhy work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf

Equal Opportunities We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs. The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.