At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead on EHC Needs Assessments and support EHCP reviews for children with special educational needs.
- Company: Join Calderdale Council, a supportive and inclusive community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, job share opportunities, and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or significant experience in SEND; UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Special Educational Needs Officer role at Calderdale Council. We are looking to recruit a Special Educational Needs Officer. The successful candidate will form part of a wider team across SEND and Inclusion and have the opportunity to shape practice and to deliver on improvements for service users. We actively promote the team as a learning environment, which ensures quality standards are maintained and we are up-to-date and responsive to new developments that impact upon the lives of children and young people with special education needs and disabilities and their families.
The role of the SEN team is centred on the statutory duties from the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice regarding Education, Health, and Care needs assessment (EHCNA), and Education, Health, and Care plans (EHCP). The SEN Officer role in Calderdale forms part of a school cluster model which includes working with and across all phases/stages of Education from 0-25.
Main responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Leading on allocated EHC Needs Assessments and maintaining the quality and standards within the statutory timescales
- Supporting the cluster with EHCP reviews and actions following a review
- Supporting the Senior SEN officer with designated tasks
As an SEN officer in the team it is essential that you:
- Are confident and concise in your communication skills regarding your role and responsibilities in the team
- Have excellent organisational skills to manage a high caseload in a busy and fast paced environment
- Are flexible in your approach to your work to support across the whole team
You will need to be able to support the wider team with:
- Allocated mediation and tribunal casework
- Quality assurance of our work
It is essential that applicants hold a relevant degree, professional, Educational, Health or Care qualification, or have significant demonstrable experience in SEND. A UK driving licence is essential for this role.
As part of our 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 for both full and part time staff. Calderdale Council embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and we are committed to providing an environment that is inclusive. We encourage applications from people who share our commitment to challenge inequality and promote diversity across Calderdale. We particularly welcome applications from communities that are currently under‑represented in our organisation. All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.
Special Educational Needs Officer in Halifax employer: Calderdale Council
Contact Detail:
Calderdale Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Educational Needs Officer in Halifax
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Calderdale Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and the team culture, plus it shows your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to SEND. Think about your experiences and how they align with the responsibilities of the SEN Officer role. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! During the interview, share examples of how you've managed high caseloads or worked in fast-paced environments. This will demonstrate that you're ready for the challenges ahead.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Educational Needs Officer in Halifax
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Special Educational Needs Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since communication is key in this role, be clear and concise in your written application. We want to see how you can articulate your thoughts effectively, so don’t hold back on demonstrating your best communication style!
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've got experience in SEND or related fields, make it shine! Share specific examples of your past work that relate to the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our team and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Calderdale Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you understand the legal context of the role and can navigate the complexities of EHC Needs Assessments and EHCPs.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Special Educational Needs Officer, clear communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders, such as families, schools, and other professionals. This will demonstrate your ability to convey complex information in an accessible way.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss how you manage a high caseload in a busy environment. Share specific strategies or tools you use to stay organised and ensure that you meet statutory timescales. This will highlight your ability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Teamwork
The role requires a flexible approach to support the wider team. Prepare to talk about instances where you've adapted to changing circumstances or collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. This will show that you're a team player who can thrive in a dynamic setting.