Senior SEND Assessment & Reviewing Officer (Grade 10)

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 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.

Promote professional standards in the service by delivering outcome focussed
assessments and contribution 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 a high quality and are reflective of the young person’s needs.

Lead on an area of specialism, taking responsibility for the portfolio. A range of
specialisms will be required across the team of Senior Assessment and Review
Officers, which 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 their service area, including
supervision, appraisal, sickness absence, capability. Ensure service key
performance indicators are achieved and highlight 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 to include ensuring appropriate arrangements
of services, advice, support, and guidance.

Co-ordinate practitioners and services around the needs of child, young person,
and their family, identifying when specialist (Social Workers; Educational
Psychologists; Occupational Therapists; Speech & Language Therapists and other

Knowledge
Knowledge of relevant legislation relating to
SEND, including but not exhaustive The Equality
Act 2010, Children & Families Act 2014, Special
Educational Needs and Disability Code of
Practice 2015.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Sound understanding and practice of multidisciplinary working.
Evidence of skills, knowledge and experience to
be able to assess and manage risk for the most
vulnerable children.

Experience
Experience of working with IT Client databases.
Experience of working within the Council’
safeguarding policies and procedures.
Experience of leading multi-agency meetings.
Strong evidence that you are a team player who
can lead but also can demonstrate the ability to
work on your own initiative whilst 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.