At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage SEND appeals, prepare evidence, and represent the local authority at hearings.
- Company: Join a dedicated team within Hertfordshire's Children’s Services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a one-off welcome payment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with SEND while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND processes and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 38220 - 41771 € per year.
Starting Salary: £38,220 pa + £1,642 pa market enhanced payment*, progressing to £41,771 pa + £2,303 pa market enhanced payment* PLUS £2,000 one-off welcome payment*.
Hours: 37
Location: Based at Stevenage or Hemel Hempstead, with hybrid working and travel across Hertfordshire.
Contract type: Permanent
Directorate: Children’s Services
About The Team
The Tribunals Team manages and co-ordinates the local authority’s response to SEND appeals. The team prepares evidence, liaises with professionals and schools, and represents the local authority at hearings. It also supports service improvement across casework and acts as the administrative hub for Pre-Action Protocols and Judicial Reviews. Our goal is to create a tribunal service that is accessible, transparent, efficient and fair for everyone. You’ll be an essential part of the team, collaborating with parents, carers, young people, schools and other key stakeholders within the SEND statutory and legal framework. Your input will help shape the future of our service to meet the evolving needs of the SEND community.
About The Role
Are you looking to advance your career and gain valuable experience in legal representation and multi-agency working? This role offers an excellent opportunity to do just that. With support and training, you’ll be well-equipped to succeed and contribute to ensuring every child receives the support they need.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Casework: ensure high-quality casework is carried out for the appeals received, encouraging resolution and reconciliation.
- Representation: represent the Local Authority at the Special Educational Needs and Disability First Tier Tribunal.
- Coordination: use negotiation and influencing skills to work with parents, schools and multi-disciplinary practitioners to seek resolution to the appeal.
- Development: develop the multi-agency response to a Tribunal, including creating chronologies, arranging and chairing case planning meetings and other multi-agency meetings, and preparing and collating evidence to support the Local Authority’s position.
- Policy contribution: contribute to the development of policies, procedures and provisions for children with SEND, staying updated on SEND casework, national legislation changes and departmental policies, and supporting induction, training and support of team members.
- Database management: input and maintain accurate and comprehensive database records as required and participate in the Local Authority’s systems for monitoring and quality assurance for children and young people in appeal.
About You
Essential:
- High level of experience working with families or children in or aligned to SEND, including extensive experience of the statutory EHCP process.
- High level of experience working with both internal and external agencies across the SEND Partnership.
- Good working knowledge of the law governing SEND.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Ability to facilitate dialogue, promoting collaboration and resolving disputes through influence and negotiation.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to work unsupervised, managing multiple cases to tight deadlines.
- Resilience when under pressure while navigating complex issues and challenges.
- Excellent IT skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel across Hertfordshire as required.
Desirable:
- Experience of advocacy and representing at Tribunals or similar.
- Knowledge of relevant case law.
EEO Statement: We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
Benefits and Additional Requirements
- Disability Confident: We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
- Safeguarding: This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
- Driving required: You’ll need the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car.
- English fluency: The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. For those whose language is a signed language, a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required.
A market enhanced payment is a non-contractual payment. The one-off welcome payment is only for external candidates.
Contact Vanessa Croxford for an informal discussion about the role.
SEND Tribunals Officer in England employer: Hertfordshire County Council
As a SEND Tribunals Officer, you will join a dedicated team within Children's Services that prioritises collaboration and support for families navigating the SEND landscape. Our hybrid working model in Stevenage or Hemel Hempstead offers flexibility, while our commitment to professional development ensures you have the training and resources needed to excel in your role. With a focus on creating an accessible and fair tribunal service, we foster a work culture that values resilience, teamwork, and continuous improvement, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful contributions to the community.
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Tribunals Officer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the SEND field on LinkedIn or at local events. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEND casework and tribunal representation. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your past work with families and children in SEND to the interview. This will help demonstrate your experience and how you can contribute to the team.
✨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 SEND Tribunals Officer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEND and the statutory EHCP process. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent verbal and written communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects this. Use clear, concise language and structure your application well to demonstrate your organisational skills.
Highlight Your Collaborative Experience:We’re looking for someone who can work well with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with families, schools, or agencies in the past. This will show us you can thrive in a multi-agency environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget 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. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) framework. Familiarise yourself with the statutory EHCP process and relevant case law, as this will show your understanding of the role and its responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be liaising with parents, schools, and various agencies, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent verbal and written communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past, especially in challenging situations.
✨Highlight Your Casework Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience with casework, particularly in resolving disputes and promoting collaboration. Share specific instances where you've successfully managed multiple cases under tight deadlines, showcasing your organisational skills and resilience.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your negotiation and influencing skills. Think about how you would handle potential conflicts or disagreements during a tribunal and be prepared to articulate your approach to achieving resolution and reconciliation.
