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- Tasks: Lead and manage complex SEND appeal casework for a Local Authority.
- Company: Nottinghamshire County Council, committed to improving outcomes for children with disabilities.
- Benefits: Fully remote role with flexible hours and competitive pay.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your expertise in SEND.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in children's services with strong SEND casework experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on collaboration and policy improvement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Nottinghamshire County Council is seeking an experienced and qualified Senior Appeals Officer (Social Care Qualified) to support the Integrated Childrens Disability Service. This temporary position will lead and manage complex SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) appeal and tribunal casework representing the Local Authority in mediation and tribunal hearings (SENDIST). The postholder will oversee statutory assessment and annual review processes ensuring compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations 2015 and the SEND Code of Practice 2014.
Key Duties and Accountabilities
- Lead and manage a locality SEND team ensuring the delivery of statutory assessments and annual review processes within statutory timescales.
- Represent the Local Authority in First Tier and Upper Tier Tribunal (SENDIST) hearings, mediation and resolution meetings.
- Prepare and manage appeal casework including evidence gathering, analysis and drafting of written submissions and reports.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation including the Children and Families Act 2014, Education Act 1996, Equality Act 2010 and Care Act 2014.
- Promote joint working between education, health, social care and third‑sector partners to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
- Provide expert guidance and supervision to staff on complex SEND casework and appeal processes.
- Manage service delivery and performance against agreed targets maintaining high‑quality standards.
- Lead the development of SEND practice within the Council contributing to policy and service improvements.
- Support safeguarding responsibilities and ensure all work aligns with council policies, Ofsted standards and statutory guidance.
Skills and Experience
- Minimum of 4 years post‑qualification experience in children's services, ideally within a Local Authority SEND team.
- Extensive experience of SEND casework management, mediation and tribunal representation (SENDIST).
- Strong understanding and practical application of key legislation: Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations 2015, SEND Code of Practice 2014, Education Act 1996, Equality Act 2010, Childrens Acts 1989 & 2004, Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- Demonstrable experience of managing hybrid teams and complex workloads within statutory timescales.
- Excellent negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare detailed reports and present evidence clearly.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams, Outlook and case management systems.
- In‑depth understanding of inclusion challenges, SEND funding systems and school structures.
- Comprehensive knowledge of safeguarding processes and local authority responsibilities.
Education
- Educated to Level 6 or above in a relevant field (e.g. Social Care, SEND or related service area).
Additional Information
- This is a fully remote role requiring an individual with significant experience in mediation, tribunal representation and senior‑level SEND case management.
- Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday).
Senior Appeals Officer employer: CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD
Contact Detail:
CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Appeals Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the social care and SEND sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and they might just point you in the right direction or even recommend you for roles.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Children and Families Act and other relevant legislation. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this in your previous roles, especially in mediation and tribunal settings.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with casework management and team leadership. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully managed complex workloads and delivered results within statutory timescales.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Appeals Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in SEND casework and tribunal representation. We want to see how your skills align with the key duties mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge of relevant legislation like the Children and Families Act 2014. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a strong understanding of the legal framework surrounding SEND.
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your written submissions, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your reports logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that are easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Nottinghamshire County Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the key legislation relevant to the role, such as the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Regulations 2015. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you understand the framework within which you'll be working.
✨Prepare for Casework Scenarios
Think about specific examples from your past experience where you've managed complex SEND casework or represented a Local Authority in tribunal hearings. Be ready to discuss these scenarios in detail, highlighting your approach and the outcomes.
✨Show Your Team Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading a locality SEND team, be prepared to talk about your experience managing hybrid teams. Share examples of how you've motivated your team and ensured high-quality service delivery under pressure.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since strong written and verbal communication skills are crucial, consider practising how you would present evidence or draft reports. You might even want to prepare a mock presentation to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly.
