At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage SEND appeals, prepare evidence, and represent the local authority at hearings.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to improving services for children with SEND.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a one-off welcome payment for new hires.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across agencies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career in legal representation.
- 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 (Vanessa.Croxford@hertfordshire.gov.uk) for an informal discussion about the role.
SEND Tribunals Officer employer: Hertfordshire County Council
As a SEND Tribunals Officer with Hertfordshire County Council, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to ensuring that every child receives the support they need. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through training and development opportunities, while our hybrid working model offers flexibility in your role. Located in Stevenage or Hemel Hempstead, you will enjoy a rewarding career that makes a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families within the SEND community.
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Tribunals Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the SEND sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in SEND legislation and casework. Show that you're not just passionate about the role but also knowledgeable about the challenges and developments in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation and communication skills. Role-play common scenarios you might face as a SEND Tribunals Officer, so you can demonstrate your ability to resolve disputes effectively during interviews.
✨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 and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Tribunals Officer
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 this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent verbal and written communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect this ability.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:We’re looking for someone who can manage multiple cases effectively. Be sure to mention any experience you have in handling tight deadlines and complex issues, as this will show us you can thrive under pressure.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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. Think of 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. Practice responding to hypothetical situations related to SEND appeals, focusing on how you'd facilitate dialogue and seek resolutions while representing the local authority's position.
