Senior Appeals Officer

Nations Recruitment; Remote; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced professional to represent the Local Authority in mediation and tribunal hearings within a SEND team. This remote role requires significant experience in SEND legislation, and includes responsibilities for case preparation and management. Ideal candidates will have over four years of relevant experience, strong mediation and negotiation skills, and a proven ability to manage complex cases effectively. The successful applicant will play a crucial role in ensuring the best outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs.

Qualifications

• 4 years post-qualification experience in a relevant children's service environment.
• In-depth knowledge of SEND legislation and frameworks.
• Experience in managing complex SEND casework at a senior level.

Responsibilities

• Undertake appeal work and represent the Local Authority at mediation and tribunal SENDIST hearings.
• Prepare cases and gather evidence.
• Manage and direct a diverse group to meet service user needs.

Skills

Mediation skills

Negotiation skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Education

Level 6 or above qualification in SEND or related service area

Tools

Microsoft Office

Teams

Outlook

Excel

Job description

Job Category: Social Care Qualified
Job location: Nottinghamshire County Council
Hours per week: 37
Start date: Immediate start
Salary: £22.85 per hour

Overview

We are looking for an Individual with significant mediation and tribunal experience within a SEND Team to undertake appeal work and represent the LA at mediation and tribunal SENDIST hearings, including case preparation and evidence gathering, and senior level casework. The post is 5 days per week and is remote working. The day rate for this post is £400‑500 per day, dependent on experience.

Education and Knowledge

• Educated to a level 6 or above qualification in a SEND, relevant related service area.
• Detailed knowledge and application of SEND legislation and legislative frameworks that governs children’s services: Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations 2015, and SEND Code of Practice 2014.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of SEND education within the schools sector and its management across a range of educational settings and providers.
• In-depth working knowledge of related legislation including: Adult Social Care, the Children’s Act 1989 & 2004 and safeguarding processes; Education Act 1996; School admissions code 2014; Equality Act 2010; Disability Discrimination Act; Care Act 2014; Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• In-depth knowledge of the barriers facing children and young people with SEND and the challenge of inclusion.
• Knowledge and experience of Local Authority’s graduated approach to SEND Support and funding systems.
• Knowledge of schools’ organisation, management and systems to ensure credibility within schools.
• Knowledge of Nottinghamshire’s Local Offer.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Ofsted framework.
• Knowledge and understanding of council policies and processes.
• Knowledge and understanding of responsibilities and processes relating to the safeguarding of children.

Experience

• 4 years post‑qualification experience in a relevant children’s service environment.
• Experience of understanding and managing complex SEND casework at a senior level.
• Experience of managing and directing a diverse group who are hybrid based to ensure service user needs are met effectively and efficiently against agreed targets and timescales.
• Significant experience of working with families, children and young people with complex SEN needs.
• Developed negotiation and mediation skills.
• Experience and expertise in managing and resolving conflict, providing challenge and support to achieve good outcomes for children and young people.
• Experience of using a range of case management systems and application of IT programmes including Microsoft Office, Teams, Outlook, Excel etc.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively write and present a variety of papers and reports to multiple audiences.