Special Educational Needs (SEN) Officer

Calderdale Council; Halifax; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible working

Professional development

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Calderdale Council is seeking an SEN Officer to join our SEND Service, delivering statutory responsibilities under the Children and Families Act 2014 and supporting children with SEND.

You will manage EHCNA caseloads, contribute to EHCP development, and work with families, schools and partners to secure positive outcomes. Hybrid working and professional development are offered.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree, professional qualification or significant SEND experience.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and make informed decisions in complex situations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and mediation skills.
• Experience working with education, health, social care and voluntary sector professionals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments.
• Draft, review and amend Education, Health and Care Plans.
• Provide expert advice to parents, carers and professionals.
• Collaborate with partners to deliver co-production.
• Monitor progress and outcomes for children and young people with EHC plans.
• Assist with complex casework, SEND mediation meetings and hearings.
• Contribute to service improvement and strategic projects.
• Support development of inclusive SEND provision across Calderdale.

Skills

SEND knowledge

Education

Relevant degree or professional qualification in SEND

Job description

Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Do you have the skills and experience to navigate complex casework while building strong relationships with families, schools, and partner agencies.

We are seeking a dedicated and motivated Special Educational Needs (SEN) Officer to join our SEND Service and play a key role in delivering our statutory responsibilities under the Children and Families Act 2014

About the Role

As an SEN Officer, you will work within a supportive school cluster team alongside another SEN Officer and SEN Caseworker. You will manage a caseload of Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs), contribute to the development and review of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and support complex review processes.

You will act as a key point of contact for families, educational settings and professionals, ensuring that children and young people with SEND receive the support and provision they need to achieve positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments.
• Draft, review and amend Education, Health and Care Plans.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to parents, carers and professionals.
• Work collaboratively with education, health and social care partners to deliver effective co-production.
• Monitor progress and outcomes for children and young people with EHCPs.
• Assist with complex casework, SEND mediation meetings and SEND Tribunal hearings.
• Contribute to service improvement, quality assurance activities and strategic projects.
• Support the development of inclusive and effective SEND provision across Calderdale

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a relevant degree, professional qualification or significant experience within SEND.
• Has an excellent understanding of SEND legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and Equality Act 2010.
• Can confidently manage a varied caseload and make informed decisions in complex situations.
• Has excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates strong partnership working, advocacy and mediation skills.
• Has experience working collaboratively with education, health, social care and voluntary sector professionals.
• Is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• Holds a full UK driving licence (reasonable adjustments will be considered for disabled applicants).

What We Offer

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.
• The chance to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people and families across Calderdale.
• Access to a range of employee benefits and wellbeing support.

Safeguarding

Calderdale Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees to share this commitment.

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check with Children's and Adults' Barred List checks.

Join Us

If you are committed to inclusion, passionate about supporting children and young people with SEND, and ready for a rewarding role where you can make a real impact, we would love to hear from you.

Closing Date 20th September 2026

Interview date: 12th October 2026

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year (unless exceptions apply) and meet the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

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.

All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.

As part of our fair recruitment process, we ask that all applications are written by the candidate and that Artificial Intelligence (AI) use is limited, unless assistance is required as a reasonable adjustment for a disability. Content should be truthful, accurate, evidence based and not embellished see guidance.