SEN Junior Tribunals Officer, ISEND Assessment and Planning

East Sussex County Council; Lewes; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A Local Authority in Sussex is seeking a Junior SEN Tribunal Officer to prepare cases for SENDIST hearings and support SEN appeals. This role requires strong communication and analytical skills, and a solid understanding of the Children and Families Act. The position is hybrid, involving on-site and remote work. Candidates should demonstrate resilience, innovative problem-solving abilities, and effective organizational skills.

Benefits

Professional development program

Work-life balance

Café with meals available

Qualifications

• Experience in case management of SEN appeals.
• Ability to represent the Local Authority in proceedings.
• Innovative problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare tribunal cases for SENDIST hearings.
• Support case management of SEN appeals.
• Represent the Local Authority in SENDIST proceedings.
• Contribute to effective case management.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop solutions.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Time management skills

Education

Working knowledge of the Children and Families Act

Understanding of the SEND Code of Practice

Job description

Overview

An opportunity has arisen in the Assessment and Planning team, part of the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Service, for the role of Junior SEN Tribunal Officer. You will be part of an SEN tribunal team which makes representations to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST) on behalf of the Local Authority. You will prepare tribunal cases for SENDIST hearings and work alongside ESCC's Legal Team and SEN Tribunal Officers, providing effective support in case management of SEN appeals to ensure that the Local Authority discharges its statutory responsibilities effectively in relation to appeals to SENDIST. You will have communication and analytical skills and proven negotiation skills that achieve desired outcomes. You will have a working knowledge of the Children and Families Act, the SEND Code of Practice and its implementation through the SEND reforms. You will be an innovative problem solver who demonstrates resilience and positivity whilst seeking solutions. You will have organisational and time management skills to adhere to statutory timescales.

Responsibilities

• Prepare tribunal cases for SENDIST hearings and support case management of SEN appeals.
• Represent the Local Authority in SENDIST proceedings alongside the Legal Team and SEN Tribunal Officers.
• Contribute to effective case management to ensure statutory responsibilities are discharged.
• Demonstrate strong communication, analytical and negotiation skills to achieve outcomes.
• Apply knowledge of the Children and Families Act, the SEND Code of Practice, and SEND reforms in practice.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop innovative solutions and maintain resilience and positivity.
• Manage workload to meet statutory timescales and deadlines.

What the Education Division offers

• A motivated team committed to the continuous improvement of outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• 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 team of motivated and committed peers.
• 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 cafe with a full range of hot and cold lunches, snacks and drinks with seating both indoors and out.
• This role is subject to a hybrid working agreement: currently 2 days on site at County Hall, Lewes and 3 days working from home. This is subject to change at short notice depending on service requirements and demands.
• Please read our help applying for jobs pages carefully. They give you all the guidance you need to complete your application as well as information on what will happen after you submit your application and at interview.
• To apply please click the 'Apply Now' button and upload your CV and a supporting statement. You will need to complete your education and work history and upload a supporting statement showing how you meet the essential criteria within the job description and job specification. Your supporting statement is the most important part of your application as it will be used in the shortlisting process to determine if you will be invited to attend an interview.
• Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.
• Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday 17 October 2025 and will be in the form of a face-to-face interview, followed by a task, at County Hall, Lewes.