Senior SEND Assessment & Reviewing Officer (Grade 10)

TN United Kingdom; Taunton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior SEND Assessment & Reviewing Officer to lead statutory assessments and support families through complex SEND needs. This role involves ensuring compliance with legislation, managing a small team, and delivering high-quality Education, Health & Care plans. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in SEND, tribunal processes, and multi-agency collaboration. Join a dedicated team making a difference in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Recognised professional qualifications in teaching or social work.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development required.

Responsibilities

• Manage statutory assessment and SEND processes, ensuring compliance with legislation.
• Lead Education, Health & Care assessments, ensuring plans meet young people's needs.
• Supervise a team of Assessment and Review Officers, monitoring performance.

Skills

SEND knowledge

Tribunal experience

Multi-agency collaboration

IT client databases

Safeguarding policies

Education

Teaching qualifications

Social work qualifications

Level 6 qualifications

Management qualifications

Job description

Senior SEND Assessment & Reviewing Officer (Grade 10), Taunton

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

1. Responsible for the operational delivery for the Statutory Assessment and associated SEND processes, ensuring that the LA meets its statutory responsibilities. Support the LA in meeting the requirements of the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND code of Practice 2015.
2. 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 SEND.
3. Act as the Lead for Education, Health & Care assessments (EHCPs), ensuring plans are of high quality and reflect the young person’s needs.
4. Lead on an area of specialism, taking responsibility for the portfolio. Specialisms may include Management, CLA, Independent Commissioning, CYP in Specific Circumstances, SENCo Support and Development, School Funding, and Training.
5. Directly manage a small team of Assessment and Review Officers, ensuring effective staffing management, supervision, appraisal, and performance monitoring. Ensure service key performance indicators are achieved and report concerns to the SEND Operational Manager.
6. Act as a key contact for children, young people, and their families with complex SEND needs, ensuring appropriate service arrangements, advice, support, and guidance.
7. Coordinate practitioners and services around the needs of the child or young person and their family, identifying when to involve specialists such as Social Workers, Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech & Language Therapists, and others.

Knowledge

Understanding of relevant legislation relating to SEND, including The Equality Act 2010, Children & Families Act 2014, and the SEND Code of Practice 2015.

Experience

• Experience working with IT client databases.
• Experience working within the Council’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Experience leading multi-agency meetings.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently, prioritizing tasks effectively.

Qualifications / Registrations / Certifications

Recognised professional qualifications such as teaching qualifications, social work, other Level 6 qualifications, or management qualifications. Evidence of ongoing professional development is also required.