Senior SEND Assessment & Reviewing Officer (Grade 10)

Somerset Council; Taunton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Taunton is seeking an experienced SEND Officer for immediate start. This role involves supporting statutory work, specifically in special education needs, managing assessments, and ensuring compliance with legislation. The ideal candidate will have proven experience with family engagement through tribunals and a solid grasp of SEND processes. Responsibilities include managing a small team and coordinating care for children with complex needs. Attractive salary of £332.37 per week.

Qualifications

• Expertise in statutory assessment processes and SEND.
• Ability to manage Risks for vulnerable children effectively.
• Capable of delivering outcome-focused assessments.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for operational delivery of SEND processes.
• Lead on Education, Health & Care assessments (EHCPs).
• Manage a small team of Assessment and Review Officers.

Skills

Team working

Risk assessment

Multidisciplinary working

Leadership ability

IT client databases

Education

Teaching qualifications

Social work degree

Management qualifications

Job description

Job Category: Children’s Services

Location: County Hall, Somerset Council

Hours Per Week: 37.00

Start Date: immediate Start

Start Time: 09:00

End Time: 17:30

Salary: £332.37

This role will provide support for statutory work, specifically responding to tribunals and mediations. We require an experienced SEND officer, with a high level of knowledge, skills and experience of working with families through tribunal and mediation, with a proven record of attending tribunal hearings.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the operational delivery of the Statutory Assessment and associated SEND processes ensuring that the local authority meets its statutory responsibilities and supports compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015.
• Promote professional standards in the service by delivering outcome-focused assessments and contributing to the service and the wider success of the Council and local area for Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Act as the Lead for Education, Health & Care assessments (EHCPs) ensuring that plans are of high quality and are reflective of the young person’s needs.
• Lead on a specialism area, taking responsibility for the portfolio. Specialisms required across the team of Senior Assessment and Review Officers will include Management, CLA, Independent Commissioning, CYP in Specific Circumstances (e.g. EHE, YOT, Young Carers & SME), SENCo, Support and Development, School Funding and Training.
• Directly manage a small team of Assessment and Review Officers. Ensure effective management of all staffing matters within the service area, including supervision, appraisal, sickness absence, capability, and the achievement of key performance indicators, while highlighting any concerns to the SEND Operational Manager.
• Act as a key point of contact for children, young people and their families with complex special educational needs, ensuring appropriate arrangements of services, advice, support and guidance.
• Coordinate practitioners and services around the needs of child, young person and their family, identifying when specialist professionals (e.g. Social Workers, Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech & Language Therapists) are required and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation such as the Equality Act 2010, Children & Families Act 2014, and the SEND Code of Practice 2015.

Experience

• Sound understanding and practice of multidisciplinary working.
• Evidence of skills, knowledge and experience to assess and manage risk for the most vulnerable children.
• Experience working with IT client databases.
• Experience working within the Council’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Experience leading multi-agency meetings.
• Strong evidence of team working and the ability to lead while working independently and prioritising tasks.

Qualifications, Registrations & Certifications

• Recognised and relevant professional qualifications (e.g., teaching qualifications, social work, other Level 6 qualifications, management qualifications).
• Evidence of work-related continuing management development.