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- Tasks: Lead mediation and tribunal work for children with special educational needs.
- Company: Local Authority focused on improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, remote work, and potential contract extension.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with SEND while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in mediation, tribunal work, and managing SEND cases.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to enhancing educational experiences for vulnerable children.
We are looking for an individual with significant mediation and tribunal experience within a SEND Team to undertake appeal work and represent the LA at mediation and tribunal SENDIST hearings, including case preparation and evidence gathering, and senior level casework. The post is 5 days per week and is remote working. Day rate for this post is £400-500 per day dependent on experience and is currently agreed for 3 months, with the chance for this to be extended for 6 months.
Responsibilities include:
- Oversee and manage the statutory education, health and care plan, assessment process, provision and review for Pre 16 children and young people with SEND in their identified locality under the Education Act 1996, Children and Family Act 2014, SEN Code of Practice 2014 and Equality Act 2010.
- Ensure that children, young people and families are fully included in the EHC assessment process from the start, ensuring information, advice and support is given to enable participation in discussions and decisions about their plan and provision.
- Manage the development of a partnership approach with the child or young person, their family, and associated professionals from education, health, social care and the third sector.
- Responsible for the quality and accuracy of statutory SEND documents and be the authorised officer to sign these.
- Line manage a Locality SEND team with direct supervision for SEND Caseworkers.
- Ensure that staff are up to date with mandatory training and address any performance issues as appropriate.
- Effectively manage and oversee the allocation of new work and monitor the performance of the team.
- Manage and monitor the impact and quality of special education, health and care assessments, plans and provisions for 0-25 years old children and young people.
- Inform decision making and determine suitable specialist provision in consultation with the child, family and professional agencies.
- Analyse and provide professional input into complex assessment and provision issues; supporting and advising SEND Caseworkers.
- Hold a small caseload of the most complex cases.
- Develop and champion SEND in the locality and provide a vital link for school settings and partner agencies.
- Contribute to the monitoring of children and young people’s progress in partnership with professional agencies.
- Develop and maintain strong links with school improvement services and other educational, health and care services.
- Respond to complaints from parents and carers and gather appropriate information to respond to Judicial reviews and LGSO as required.
- Lead on and represent the Local Authority at SEND tribunals, Mediation and other resolution meetings.
- Support and challenge education settings to ensure that all support and provision is provided via the graduated approach.
- Attend and participate in internal decision making panels having fully reviewed and understood cases in advance.
- Oversee appropriate information and support systems relating to statutory assessment procedures.
- Take a lead specialist role in an area of special needs development.
- Cover for the EHC Assessment Team, Team Manager in their absence.
- Drive the improvement and resilience of partnership working for children with SEND in Nottinghamshire.
- Ensure that staff work in co-production with parent/carers, children and young people throughout the EHC needs assessment process.
- Drive the continued improvement cycle of EHCPs by quality assuring EHCPs.
- Maintain strong links with identified maintained and independent maintained special schools.
- Ensure that the local authorities response to tribunals are made within legal deadlines.
- Gather robust and detailed evidence to support the local authorities position when leading on a Tribunal appeal.
- Act as the local authorities representative at Mediation and other resolution meetings.
- Lead on phase transfers between key stages for children and young people in their locality.
- Have continued oversight of vulnerable children and young people who are Educated Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) or electively home educated.
- Accurately record, input and maintain case and meeting records.
- Alert the Team Manager to any issues or concerns regarding individual staff members or education settings.
Senior Appeals Officer in Huyton employer: Ackerman Pierce
Contact Detail:
Ackerman Pierce Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Appeals Officer in Huyton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the SEND field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your mediation and tribunal experience. Think of specific examples where you've made a difference, especially in complex cases. This will show you’re not just talking the talk but walking the walk!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! If you’ve managed teams or led projects, be ready to discuss how you’ve driven improvements in SEND processes. This is key for a Senior Appeals Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Appeals Officer in Huyton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Appeals Officer role. Highlight your mediation and tribunal experience, especially within a SEND Team, as this is key for us.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on your case preparation and evidence gathering skills. We want to see how you've successfully managed complex cases and worked with families and professionals.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ackerman Pierce
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Education Act 1996, Children and Families Act 2014, and the SEN Code of Practice 2014. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show your understanding of the framework you'll be working within.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific cases where you've successfully managed mediation or tribunal hearings. Be ready to share how you gathered evidence, prepared cases, and worked with families and professionals. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Appeals Officer, you'll be overseeing a team. Prepare to discuss your approach to line management, including how you support staff development and handle performance issues. Highlight any past experiences where you've led a team effectively.
✨Engage in Mock Interviews
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with a friend or mentor, focusing on common questions related to SEND casework and tribunal processes. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence.
