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- Tasks: Represent the Local Authority at SEND Tribunals and manage complex casework.
- Company: Join a dedicated Local Authority in Ealing focused on supporting children with special educational needs.
- Benefits: Earn £23.73-£30.87 per hour, enjoy a structured 35-hour work week, and gain valuable experience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your negotiation and mediation skills.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths required; previous SEND case management experience preferred.
- Other info: Initial 3-month contract with potential for extension; office-based role in Ealing.
Client: Local Authority in Ealing
Pay Rate: £23.73 an hour PAYE / £30.87 an hour UMBRELLA
Hours: 35 hours Mon to Fri (09:00 AM - 05:00 PM)
Duration: Initial 3 Month Contract
Location: Mainly Office based, 4-5 days a week in office - Perceval House, Uxbridge Road, Ealing.
Description
Purpose of role:
- To represent the Local Authority at the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal and defend appropriateness of the proposed service provision for an individual child.
- To provide key leadership in case management of SEN appeal related cases to ensure that the Council discharges its responsibilities effectively in relation to statutory appeals to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST).
- To develop practice across the SEND Assessment and Monitoring Team to reduce the Local Authority's exposure to risk of appeals to Tribunals, complaints, litigation and judicial review/complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman.
- To coordinate and draft responses to complaints, mediation, LGO enquiries and SAR requests.
Key accountabilities:
- To work directly with parents, schools, parental appointed legal representatives and other professional bodies within the statutory and legal framework related to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal process.
- To take the lead on complex casework, providing effective mediation, drawing on strong negotiation and influencing skills across a range of complex SEN issues between parents, schools and multi-disciplinary practitioners.
- To provide support and coaching to the SEND Assessment and Monitoring Team in the resolution of complex casework, ensuring that EHCP Coordinators and EHCP Officers build strategic links with schools, education provider services and other agencies to deliver positive outcomes for children and to limit the Local Authority's exposure to risk of appeals to Tribunals.
- To be a source of expert advice to the Council and SEN officers on all aspects of the SENDIST.
- To ensure all documentation linked to SEN appeals is distributed appropriately and within specified time restraints.
- To coordinate allocation and attendance processes linked to mediation and resolution of all disputes relating to the SEND tribunal process.
- To attend resolution meetings (Mediation) with parents and other professionals in an attempt to settle disputed issues without the need for formal legal redress wherever possible. This will include responsibility for negotiating changes to the EHC plans using tact and diplomacy through working with families experiencing emotional turmoil.
Essential knowledge, skills and abilities:
- In depth knowledge and understanding of current SEN legislation and reform, statutory procedures and processes governing the provision of services for children with special educational needs.
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of the impact of SEND on children's educational, health and social care outcomes.
- Thorough knowledge of the services and agencies which may be involved in EHC assessments and EHC Plan delivery.
Essential qualification(s) and experience:
- GCSE English Qualifications, including English and Maths (grade 4 or C and above).
- Previous SEND case management experience, including significant experience of managing a high case load of complex cases.
- Experience of communicating with children and their families and professionals concerning complex issues.
Desirable:
- Significant experience of Appeals and Tribunals processes and guidance.
- Significant experience of successfully managing conflict and disputes in difficult situations.
- Extensive experience of multi-agency working and working alongside a range of stakeholders to drive multi-disciplinary strategic change.
SEND Complaints and Tribunal Officer employer: Adecco
Contact Detail:
Adecco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Complaints and Tribunal Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current SEN legislation and reform. Understanding the legal framework will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in SEND roles or related fields. Engaging with them can provide insights into the challenges they face and how you can position yourself as a valuable asset.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions during interviews. Think about complex cases you've handled in the past and how you resolved conflicts, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on recent developments in SEND practices and tribunal processes. This knowledge can set you apart from other candidates and show your proactive approach to professional growth.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Complaints and Tribunal Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the SEND Complaints and Tribunal Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and essential skills required, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience you have in SEND case management, particularly with complex cases. Mention specific examples where you successfully managed disputes or worked with multi-agency teams.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of current SEN legislation and processes in your application. This could be through a brief summary of relevant laws or your insights into how they impact children’s outcomes.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a personalised cover letter that addresses the specific requirements of the role. Use keywords from the job description and explain how your skills and experiences align with the needs of the Local Authority in Ealing.
How to prepare for a job interview at Adecco
✨Know Your SEN Legislation
Make sure you have a solid understanding of current Special Educational Needs (SEN) legislation and processes. Be prepared to discuss how these laws impact service provision for children with special educational needs, as this knowledge is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Conflict Resolution Skills
Since the role involves managing disputes and complex casework, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully navigated difficult situations in the past. Highlight your negotiation and mediation skills, as well as your ability to work with families in emotional circumstances.
✨Showcase Multi-Agency Collaboration
This position requires extensive collaboration with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your experience working alongside different agencies and professionals, and how you’ve driven strategic change through teamwork.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-life situations. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would approach them, particularly in relation to managing appeals and tribunal processes.
