Senior Special Educational Needs Officer

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Halifax; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A Local Authority in the UK is seeking a Senior Special Educational Needs Officer to assist in statutory duties related to the SEND process. This role requires knowledge of the Children & Families Act 2014 and strong skills in data analysis and negotiation. The successful candidate will support the SEN team manager and ensure effective service delivery. Applicants must hold a degree in a relevant field and have a valid driver's license. Closing date for applications is 14th August 2025.

Qualifications

• Essential knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice 2015 0–25.
• Understanding of how educational settings manage pupils with SEN.
• Must hold a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Local Authority in carrying out statutory duties in relation to the SEND process.
• Support the SEN team manager and evaluate EHCP processes.
• Identify and support continuous development of systems across the SEN service.

Skills

Knowledge of the Children & Families Act 2014

Data analysis skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Degree level qualification in a related field

Job description

Come and be part of the Calderdale Childrens Services Team for children with additional needs. We care and are highly aspirational for our children with special educational needs to achieve their potential and ‘live a larger life’.



Calderdale has a strong Vision 2034 which promotes resilience and kindness in young people as well as unlocking their talent and potential. The children’s service focus is on all children in the Local Area growing up healthy, safe, resilient, and successful. This investment in special educational needs services will better support our children and families in the Borough.

We are looking to recruit a Senior Special Educational Needs Officer.

The prime objective of the post is to assist the Local Authority in carrying out statutory duties in relation to the SEND process.

Knowledge of the Children & Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015 0–25 is essential as the successful candidate will represent and make decisions on behalf of the Local Authority which require careful legal consideration.

The successful candidate will support the SEN team manager with influence over the delivery and effectiveness of SEN Team services and develop their own practice and that of colleagues in order to support the Directorate to meet its legal duties outlined in the SEN code of practice and the Children and Families Act.

The post holder will identify and support continuous development of systems and processes across the SEN service and partnership teams including data analysis and preparation for future inspections by OFSTED/CQC.

The work involves an understanding of how schools and other educational settings manage pupils with SEN and can involve a need to challenge and negotiate with various agencies/professionals including health and social care as part of the EHCP process. The work also includes preparing cases for tribunal appeals.

The post holder will work with and deputise for the SEN team manager to monitor and evaluate EHCP process for children and young people, take responsibility for ensuring effective service delivery is achieved and agreed performance targets are met.

It is essential that applicants have a Degree level qualification or equivalent in a related field within children’s services. (Education, Health, Social Care & Youth Services) and hold a valid driver’s licence.

Find out more about working in Social Care:
https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/jobs/working-calderdale/working-social-care


We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants to posts that are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act will require a DBS from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.

Closing Date: Thursday 14th August 2025
Interviews: W/c 15th September 2025


We may utilise digital interview methods.

As part of our Vision https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision/ we aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working / job share opportunities.



On 30 January 2019, the Council declared a climate emergency in a bold move to step up its action to tackle climate change.



Calderdale Council embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and we are committed to providing an environment that is inclusive. We encourage applications from people who share our commitment to challenge inequality and promote diversity across Calderdale. We particularly welcome applications from communities that are currently under-represented in our organisation. All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.



For support on your application please read our Application Booklet or visit our Employment Hub.