SEND EHCP Officer | Post 16

Lancashire County Council; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

26 days annual leave (rising to 32)

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Salary sacrifice benefits

Job summary

Lancashire County Council’s Inclusion Service is seeking a Post-16 SEND Officer. You will manage a caseload of young people aged 16 to 25, coordinate the EHCP process and ensure timely statutory duties, including transitions from Year 11 into further education and training.

Work with families, schools and multi‑agency partners to prepare EHCPs, support Preparation for Adulthood and promote inclusive, person‑centred practice. GCSE English and Maths (Grade 5) are essential; a car is required.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children, young people, families or the public.
• Ability to analyse information, produce clear reports and meet statutory timescales.
• Understanding of SEND legislation and EHCP processes desirable.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate EHCP process and annual reviews for 16–25 year olds.
• Manage a varied caseload and ensure timely statutory delivery.
• Support transitions to further education, training and adulthood.
• Contribute to dispute resolution, panel activity and QA.

Skills

Excellent communication

Organisation skills

Relationship-building

Education

GCSE English and Maths (Grade 5)

Relevant qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Post-16 SEND Officer

Inclusion Service - Lancashire County Council

Salary: £36,363 - £40,777

Location: Lancashire (Hybrid / Countywide)

Help Young People Build Their Future. Be the Link Between Education, Opportunity and Adulthood.

For many young people with special educational needs and disabilities, the transition from school into further education, training and adulthood is one of the most important stages of their lives. The support they receive during this period can shape their future opportunities, independence and long-term success.

At Lancashire's Inclusion Service, we are committed to ensuring that every young person is supported to achieve their ambitions and prepare confidently for adult life. As our new Post-16 SEND Officer, you will play a vital role in guiding young people and their families through this important journey, ensuring their voices, aspirations and outcomes remain at the centre of every decision. This is a role where your work will have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people across Lancashire.

About the Role

As a Post-16 SEND Officer, you will manage a caseload of young people aged 16 to 25, coordinating the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process and ensuring statutory responsibilities are delivered effectively and within required timescales. You will play a key role in supporting transitions from Year 11 into further education, training, apprenticeships and other pathways, helping young people access the opportunities that best meet their needs and aspirations.

Working closely with young people, families, schools, colleges, training providers and professionals across education, health and care, you will coordinate annual reviews, phased transfers, consultations and placement planning. You will gather and analyse information from a wide range of sources, prepare high-quality EHCPs and recommendations, and ensure Preparation for Adulthood remains central to planning and decision‑making.

You will contribute to dispute resolution, panel activity, quality assurance and continuous improvement, promoting person‑centred and inclusive practice throughout your work.

About You

You will bring experience of working with children, young people, families or the public, along with excellent communication, organisational and relationship‑building skills. You understand the importance of helping young people participate in decisions about their future and are confident working collaboratively with families, educational settings and multi‑agency partners.

You’re able to analyse information from multiple sources, produce clear and well‑structured reports, manage a varied caseload and work effectively within statutory timescales. You are empathetic, solution‑focused and committed to delivering high‑quality outcomes for young people with SEND. An understanding of SEND legislation, EHCP processes and the wider education, health and care landscape is advantageous, alongside a commitment to developing your expertise within this specialist area.

You will hold a relevant qualification or equivalent experience and possess GCSE Grade 5 (or equivalent) in English and Maths. This is an essential car user post and you must be able to provide a vehicle insured for business use.

Why Join Us?

A workplace built on trust, balance and flexibility

• We offer hybrid working, flexible hours and a culture that prioritises wellbeing.
• You’ll receive 26 days’ annual leave (rising to 32 with service), 10 bank holidays and the option to purchase additional leave.
• You’ll also benefit from the Local Government Pension Scheme, access to our Employee Assistance Programme and a wide range of staff discounts and salary sacrifice benefits.

Development that grows with you

• You’ll receive a comprehensive induction, ongoing CPD and regular supervision to support your professional development.

A culture grounded in inclusivity

We believe every child and young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our teams work collaboratively, value diverse perspectives and are committed to delivering inclusive, person‑centred services that make a genuine difference to families across Lancashire.

Closing Date: Sunday 4th October 2026

Interviews: TBC