At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage casework and support children with special educational needs.
- Company: Join Surrey County Council's dedicated SEND service team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, pension, and wellbeing discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: A-level or equivalent, with knowledge of SEND legislation.
The predicted salary is between 30647 - 30647 £ per year.
The starting salary for these full-time, permanent positions is £30,647 per annum based on a 36-hour working week. These roles are open to hybrid working and as a team we split our time between collaborating with colleagues in the office for a minimum of two days per week and working from home. Team members are welcome to work from any of our area offices in Woking, Weybridge or Reigate.
We're excited to be recruiting a new Education Health Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) Officer to join our fantastic Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) service. This role is integral to on-going, focused work to improve the quality and timeliness of our SEND services. As an Education Health Care Needs Assessment Officer, you'll join a newly established county-wide Education Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment team.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About The Role
We're looking for compassionate, knowledgeable and proactive individuals who can build trusted relationships and communicate clearly. Our young people want adults who listen, explain things honestly, and keep them at the centre of every decision. Parents and carers value empathy, strong organisational skills, and a deep understanding of SEND legislation and diverse needs. Schools need consistent, accessible professionals who are experts in SEND and can guide them through the system with clarity and confidence.
Your Key Responsibilities As An EHCNA Officer
- Managing casework related to the 20‑week EHC Needs Assessment process, engaging with families and education providers to facilitate informed discussions
- Using a person‑centred approach, you will ensure statutory assessment deadlines are met
- Coordinating input from Education, Health, and Care services to ensure each child receives the right support for their needs
- Drafting EHCPs, ensuring they are clear, accurate, and of high quality
- Reflective practice and continuous improvement are key to this role, and you'll be part of a team that puts the child at the centre of everything we do.
- By working in close collaboration with children's Social Care, Health, parents/carers and families, as well as schools, your impact will help us to achieve the best outcomes for the children we support.
- The role involves working in, and visiting, venues across Surrey to build professional working relationships, therefore you will need the willingness and ability to travel across the county to meet the demands of this role.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- A‑level or equivalent level of attainment, with training or experience in SEN, including the Code of Practice and Children and Families Act 2014
- Knowledge of Surrey's SEND policies, national guidance and legislation, and awareness of the impact of SEND on vulnerable children and young people
- Familiarity with Surrey's Local Offer and school provisions, or willingness to learn
- Knowledge of evidence‑based interventions and the ability to interpret and accurately convey information from complex written reports within draft EHC Plans
- Clear and confident communication and customer service skills, both in writing and in person
- Strong relationship building skills and experience of working collaboratively with children, young people, and families
- Competence in a range of IT tools including MS Office and database management systems
- Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 08/06/2026.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact the team on . An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two‑tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need; we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Education Health Care Needs Assessment Officer in Reigate employer: Local Government Chronicle
Surrey County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With generous benefits such as 26 days of holiday, a local government pension, and opportunities for professional development, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in the community. The hybrid working model and flexible office locations in Woking, Weybridge, and Reigate further enhance work-life balance, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals dedicated to improving educational outcomes.
Contact Details:
Local Government Chronicle Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Health Care Needs Assessment Officer in Reigate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in similar roles on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the SEND services in Surrey. Understand their challenges and successes, and think about how your skills can contribute to improving outcomes for children and young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires clear and confident communication, consider doing mock interviews with friends or family. Get comfortable explaining complex information simply.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find more resources and tips that can help you stand out in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Health Care Needs Assessment Officer in Reigate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’ll help you understand what we’re looking for and how to tailor your application to show off your skills and experience that match the role.
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When you’re writing your application, make sure to highlight any experience you have with SEND legislation or working with children and families. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the EHCNA Officer role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your thoughts, as this reflects the communication skills we value. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can explain things honestly and clearly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government Chronicle
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) legislation, especially the Code of Practice and the Children and Families Act 2014. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the framework you'll be working within.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, highlight your ability to build relationships with children, young people, and families. Share specific examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and understanding in past roles. This is crucial for an EHCNA Officer, as the job revolves around supporting vulnerable individuals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to casework or communication with families and schools. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and prepare structured responses that showcase your problem-solving skills and person-centred approach.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Local Policies
Take some time to research Surrey's SEND policies and the Local Offer. Being knowledgeable about local provisions will not only impress your interviewers but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the community you'll be serving.
