SEND Technical Support Assistant

Somerset County Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

LGPS pension

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset County Council's Children’s Services is seeking a SEND Technical Support Assistant to provide comprehensive systems support for educational platforms, including the MRI Education system and SEND Portals. Working in a busy administrative team, you will administer systems, resolve issues, maintain configuration and contribute to the development of business processes, guidance and training resources.

You will help ensure data accuracy and reporting, manage user access, handle helpdesk

Qualifications

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications including Outlook, SharePoint and web platforms.
• Knowledge of Data Protection and confidentiality.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities.
• Strong communication with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Ensure data accuracy and fulfil reporting requirements (including DfE statutory return).
• Administer user access for Education systems and Portals.
• Handle Helpdesk queries and resolve issues raised by users.
• Participate in projects to develop and improve Children’s Systems.
• Support and test system upgrades with suppliers and users.
• Data entry across platforms and assist with dashboards and monitoring.
• Update system guidance, configure and test templates and workflows.
• Liaise with settings, local authorities, agencies and stakeholders.

Skills

Microsoft Office 365

Data protection

Deadline management

Clear communication

Education

5 GCSEs including Maths and English

ECDL or IT systems administration

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Salary: Grade 13, Ranging from £26,847 to £29,071 per annum.

Contract: Fixed Term for 2 Years.

Hours: 37 Hours per week.

Closing date: 4th October 2026.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join Children's Services as a SEND Technical Support Assistantwho will provide comprehensive systems support to Children's Services, enabling frontline practitioners, managers and partner agencies to make effective use of key Education systems, including the MRI Education system and SEND Professional and Citizen Portals.

Working within a busy, collaborative and supportive administrative team, you would be undertaking a range of activities.

You will play a key role in supporting service delivery by administering systems, resolving issues, maintaining configuration and contributing to the development of business processes, guidance and training resources.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Ensuring data is accurate and fulfils a variety of reporting requirements, including the Statutory Return for Department for Education for the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities data.
• User administration work ensuring compliance for access for Education systems and Portals
• Dealing with Helpdesk queries and requests for support, investigating and resolving issues raised by users.
• Involved in projects to develop and improve Children's Systems
• Supporting and testing system upgrades, working with suppliers and users
• Data entry using a variety of platforms including excel spreadsheets and supporting development of visual dashboards and monitoring systems.
• Updating system guidance, configure, test and maintain system templates, forms and workflows
• Direct liaison with settings, other local authorities, agencies, suppliers and stakeholders.

What You'll Bring

• Extensive use of Microsoft Office 365 applications to process and monitor work, using Outlook, SharePoint and web platforms
• Knowledge or experience of Data Protection and confidentiality
• Experience of managing conflicting deadlines priorities
• Use initiative to identify, investigate and resolve problems, with attention to detail
• 5 GCSEs (Grades A-C/4-9, including Maths and English
• ECDL or experience of administering IT systems
• Good communication skills to be confident when working with a variety of experts, wider colleagues and stakeholders

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• 25 day's annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
• The hours are all year round and we work in a hybrid way. Our team office days are Mondays and Wednesdays ensuring critical peer support, 1 to 1 meetings, attendance at team meetings and training alongside supporting operational colleagues.
• Interviews will be held on Thursday 15th October, in Person at County Hall, Taunton.
• When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: TR0319 SEND Technical Support Assistant.pdf

Job Ref: 1394/AB