SEND Assessment and Monitoring Officer (Tribunals and Complaints)

South Tyneside Council; South Shields; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in South Shields is seeking a dedicated SEND Assessment and Monitoring Officer to manage SENDIST appeals and liaise with multiple stakeholders, ensuring children with special educational needs receive proper support. Candidates should possess a degree in a relevant field, extensive experience with SEND casework, and strong interpersonal skills. A thorough understanding of the SEND Code of Practice is essential. This role offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Excellent benefits package

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice is essential.
• Significant experience of First Tier SENDIST Tribunal required.
• Successful relevant experience of working in SEND and casework.

Responsibilities

• Lead in managing appeals to SENDIST Tribunal.
• Represent Local Authority at Tribunal hearings.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders to oversee needs assessments.

Skills

Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice

Effective use of specialist ICT packages

Interpersonal skills

Initiative skills

Education

Degree in a relevant subject

Job description

SEND Assessment and Monitoring Officer (Tribunals and Complaints)

(SEND Assessment and Review Service, Town Hall, South Shields)

£48,226 pa

Overview

South Tyneside Council is looking for passionate and highly motivated individuals who are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Our newly restructured SEND Assessment & Review Service plays a critical role in ensuring that children and young people with SEND receive appropriate support and services to meet their unique learning needs so that they can learn, grow and achieve.

Responsibilities

As a SEND Assessment and Monitoring Officer (Tribunals), you will lead in managing appeals to SENDIST (Special Educational Needs & Disability Tribunal). This will include representing the Local Authority at First Tier SENDIST Tribunal hearings, preparing responses to complaints and disputes, and managing the SEND mediation processes, including face‑to‑face meetings.

You will also act as a caseworker for children and young people with complex and significant needs, collaborating and liaising with young people, parents/carers, education, health, social care, and a wide range of service providers to oversee the assessment and planning of needs assessments.

Qualifications

It is essential you have a thorough knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, significant experience of the First Tier SENDIST Tribunal, and effective use of specialist ICT packages.

You should have a degree in a relevant subject, significant SEND experience, and a high level of interpersonal and initiative skills.

You should also have successful relevant experience of working in SEND together with SEND casework experience, previous experience of working in Local Government or a similar organisation, and experience of staff management.

Contact

For further information, please contact Dorothy Boyle: [e-mail] / [phone]

We offer an excellent benefits package and further information is available here: www.southtyneside.gov.uk/workinghere

Other Information

We do not currently offer skilled worker visa sponsorship.

To view our Privacy Notice please visit: https://southtyneside.gov.uk/article/2780/Privacy-notice-for-job-applicants

South Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre‑employment checks.

Please note that if you apply for this role, all communication regarding your application will be sent to the email address that you have registered with North East Jobs; please ensure you check your junk mail.

Closing Date

Closing date: Noon, 16 January 2026.

Interview Date

Interview will take place on 9 February 2026.

Important Notice

Please note: The HR Operations Team will not be available from 4.30pm Wednesday 24 December 2025 until 8.30am Monday 5 January 2026. Queries and applications will be dealt with on our return. Thank you