At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage SEND tribunal cases to ensure fair outcomes for children with additional needs.
- Company: Join Newham Council, dedicated to building a fairer community for all children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families with SEND.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification and significant experience in SEND case management required.
The predicted salary is between 57150 - 57150 £ per year.
At Newham we are ambitious for our children and young people with additional needs. Our aim is to make Newham the best place for all to live, learn and thrive; building on our inclusive ethos of inclusion and putting children and families at the heart of everything we do. We’re determined and driven towards creating a centre of practice excellence supporting children and young people with SEND, where no child is left behind.
Newham is a diverse borough and we are committed to our workforce being representative of the families that we work with. We are taking concerted, meaningful and intentional action to develop an inclusive culture because we believe this is at the heart of enabling diversity in all respects, including diversity of thought. We challenge all forms of discrimination and injustice to help make Newham a fairer and more equitable place to live, learn and work.
Newham’s children need support from colleagues who:
- Are child centred and knowledgeable about issues affecting children with additional needs.
- Empathetic in their thinking, and towards our families.
- Driven and determined to improve quality of life for children and families.
- Focused on inclusivity and providing opportunities for children and young people with SEND.
- Value diversity and the future; we are one of London’s youngest, most diverse Boroughs – and proud!
ABOUT THE JOB
The SEND Tribunals Senior Case Officer will provide key leadership, representation and case management to ensure that the Council discharges its responsibilities effectively in relation to statutory appeals to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST), which is part of his Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS). The post holder will be working on behalf of the LA to ensure that all legal obligations are met in the resolution of SEND cases, you will prepare and submit evidence for the tribunal process and represent the local authority in legal settings and ensuring that outcomes are legally compliant and in the best interest of the child or young person.
SEND Tribunal Officers are experts in SEND law, working to resolve disputes amicably where possible but preparing for formal hearings when necessary. Their goal is to ensure that all parties involved are heard and that legal requirements are met throughout the tribunal process.
Provide advice on learning/case law from previous lower and upper tier tribunals in order to limit the local authority’s exposure to risk of appeals, litigation and judicial review/complaints to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
ABOUT YOU
We’re looking for a conscientious individual who is dedicated to tackling disproportionality and passionate about working to the best interest of our children and young people who live with disability. A fair and balanced outlook is essential to this role as we look to build a Fairer Newham for all.
Candidates will need to meet the following (minimum) criteria in their application to be shortlisted:
- To hold a relevant qualification (e.g., teaching, law, social work) and have considerable experience of case management of SEND tribunals, complaints or mediation.
- Significant experience in the SEND sector.
- Extensive knowledge of current legislation, research, policies and guidance and its implications for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Extensive knowledge and proven track record of successfully applying SEND Law and SEND Code of Practice.
- Extensive knowledge of, and proven ability of working successfully in, the SEN appeals process to Tribunal.
- Excellent communicators, capable of working with families, schools, and legal professionals to navigate complex cases.
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and prioritise tasks.
TO APPLY
Please submit a CV and supporting statement through our recruitment portal. The supporting statement should demonstrate how you meet the relevant requirements listed above and in the person specification. Closing date: 21.11.26.
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.
At Newham, our HEART values shape how we lead, collaborate and deliver for residents. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate inclusive and authentic leadership, are committed to achieving excellent outcomes, embrace innovation and continuous improvement, and work collaboratively across organisational boundaries. Most importantly, we want employees who share our commitment to serving diverse communities with integrity, accountability and a strong focus on equity and inclusion.
If you are applying for a management role, we encourage you to review our Managers' HEART Charter, which outlines the leadership expectations and behaviours that support our values in practice.
The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.
SEND TRIBUNALS Senior Case Officer SEND TRIBUNALS, MEDIATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS TEAM in London employer: Borough of Newham
The London Borough of Newham is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, generous leave allowances, and opportunities for professional development, the council ensures that its workforce is motivated and equipped to deliver high-quality services to the community. Working in Newham not only offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people but also provides access to a vibrant, diverse borough that is committed to regeneration and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND TRIBUNALS Senior Case Officer SEND TRIBUNALS, MEDIATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS TEAM in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Borough of Newham.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Borough of Newham!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Borough of Newham, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Borough of Newham or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND TRIBUNALS Senior Case Officer SEND TRIBUNALS, MEDIATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS TEAM in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Borough of Newham:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Borough of Newham! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Newham
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
