Senior Assessment & Reviewing Officer

Somerset County Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

LGPS pension

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset County Council in Taunton is seeking a Senior Assessment and Reviewing Officer to lead statutory SEND processes, supporting EHCP delivery and compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice 2015.

You will manage a team, chair multi-agency meetings, and work with children, families and schools to secure high-quality, inclusive outcomes. The role offers a fixed-term contract, hybrid working and a closing date of 8 November 2026.

Qualifications

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. Teaching, Social Work, Management or equivalent Level 6 qualification)
• Experience producing high-quality, person-centred plans with strong knowledge of SEND legislation, including the Equality Act, Children and Families Act and SEND Code of Practice
• Proven experience of multi-agency and multi-disciplinary working with the ability to assess and manage risk for vulnerable children and young people
• Experience working within safeguarding policies and procedures
• Confidence leading multi-agency meetings and driving positive outcomes
• Ability to build trusted relationships with children, families, schools and professionals

Responsibilities

• Lead SEND assessments and EHCP delivery, ensuring high-quality, child-centred outcomes
• Manage and inspire a team of Assessment and Review Officers to deliver exceptional support
• Oversee complex cases, providing expert guidance to children, young people and families
• Champion inclusion and early intervention through strong multi-agency partnerships
• Lead on complex decision-making
• Drive continuous improvement, quality practice and service performance
• Work within SEND tribunals and mediations
• Help shape and develop Somerset's SEND services through specialist expertise and leadership

Skills

Professional qualification

SEND legislation knowledge

Multi-agency working

Safeguarding experience

Leading multi-agency meetings

Relationship building

Education

Level 6 qualification

Job description

Salary: Grade 10, Ranging from ranging from £38,510 to £43,149 per annum.

Contract: Fixed Term. 1 and 2 year Contracts available.

Hours: 37 Hours a week.

Closing date: 8th November 2026

Join us on our mission to improve the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Somerset.

As a Senior Assessment and Reviewing Officer, you will play a key leadership role across Statutory SEND, supporting the delivery of the Local Authority's duties in relation to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). This is an opportunity to shape brighter futures through high-quality, inclusive practice and strong partnership working.

We're working to transform SEND services in Somerset and you will be a key part of that journey. Your leadership will help remove barriers, improve outcomes, and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Your work will be central to ensuring children and young people receive the support they need to thrive. Leading and supporting the delivery of statutory SEND processes, monitor performance, chair multi-agency meetings and work collaboratively with partners to resolve complex situations to unlock the full potential for every child.

About the Role

You will be responsible for the operational delivery for the Statutory Assessment and associated SEND processes ensuring that the Somerset Council meets its statutory responsibilities. You will support the Local Authority in meeting the requirements of the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND code of Practice 2015.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Lead SEND assessments and EHCP delivery, ensuring high-quality, child-centred outcomes.


• Manage and inspire a team of Assessment and Review Officers to deliver exceptional support.


• Oversee complex cases, providing expert guidance to children, young people and families.


• Champion inclusion and early intervention through strong multi-agency partnerships.


• Lead on complex decision-making.


• Drive continuous improvement, quality practice and service performance.


• Work within SEND tribunals and mediations.


• Help shape and develop Somerset's SEND services through specialist expertise and leadership.

What You'll Bring

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. Teaching, Social Work, Management or equivalent Level 6 qualification)


• Experience producing high-quality, person-centred plans with strong knowledge of SEND legislation, including the Equality Act, Children and Families Act and SEND Code of Practice


• Proven experience of multi-agency and multi-disciplinary working with the ability to assess and manage risk for vulnerable children and young people


• Experience working within safeguarding policies and procedures


• Confidence leading multi-agency meetings and driving positive outcomes


• Ability to build trusted relationships with children, families, schools and professionals

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

• 30 day's annual leave (additional to bank holidays).


• We are happy to consider flexible working patterns - we work hard to sustain a good work-life balance and are passionate about maintaining a positive and supportive working culture.


• This role offers hybrid working, allowing you to work either from home or from our offices at County Hall, Taunton. There is an expectation that you will be in the office a minimum of two days a week.


• Interviews are scheduled for week commencing 16th and 23rd November 2026.

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: AG0918 Senior Assessment and Reviewing Officer.pdf

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