Senior SEND Officer

Westmorland and Furness Council; Kendal, Penrith; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Westmorland and Furness Council in the UK is seeking a Senior SEND Officer to support the SEND Team Manager and oversee a group of SEND officers in Kendal, Barrow or Penrith (location to be agreed with successful candidate).

You will drive high-quality EHCPs, coordinate statutory processes such as EHC Needs Assessments, Annual Reviews and phase transfers, and lead complex cases including Tribunals and mediation, working with schools and providers to secure appropriate provision.

Responsibilities

• Lead on ensuring high-quality EHCPs and consistent practice.
• Support SEND statutory processes including EHC Needs assessment, Annual Reviews and phase transfers.
• Lead on complex casework including Tribunals and mediation.
• Collaborate with schools and providers to secure appropriate provision.

Job description

Location: Kendal, Barrow or Penrith, location to be agreed with successful candidate

Contract Type: Permanent

About this opportunity

The SEND Service is responsible for ensuring that Westmorland and Furness Council meets its statutory responsibilities towards children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, who may require additional provision to be made via the support of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The SEND Service ensures that needs are understood, planned for and met, via accurate analysis and identification, timely assessment and access to appropriate local provision.

We are looking for a Senior SEND Officer who will support the SEND Team Manager to lead the SEND team, overseeing the work of a group of SEND officers. You will work to make a real difference for children, young people and families and have responsibility for:

• Working with the SEND Team Manager to ensure effective, consistent practice is in place and that children and young people’s EHCPs are high-quality and provide effective support


• Supporting the delivery of SEND statutory processes, including EHC Needs support Assessment, Annual Reviews and phase transfers, in line with statutory legislation


• Leading on complex casework, including Tribunals and mediation


• Participating in statutory decision-making and resource allocation Panels, ensuring that timely and appropriate decisions are made


• Working with different stakeholders, including schools and education providers, to ensure appropriate provision is in place for children and support with statutory processes where required

If you are enthusiastic and committed to working in partnership with all stakeholders within the SEND local area in providing for our children and young people’s special educational needs, then we would love to hear from you!

You will be a member of a directorate which respects and celebrates diversity and works to ensure our children and young people have the right support in place to live fulfilling lives as valued members of their local communities, so that they can reach their potential.