At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage EHC Needs Assessments 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 with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families.
- Qualifications: A-level or equivalent, knowledge of SEND legislation, and strong communication skills.
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.
Hybrid EHC Needs Assessment Officer - Shape SEND Outcomes in Reigate employer: Local Government Chronicle
Surrey County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of children and families. With generous benefits such as 26 days of holiday, a local government pension, and opportunities for professional development, you'll thrive in a culture that values compassion, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while the chance to engage with diverse communities across Surrey enhances your professional experience and impact.
Contact Details:
Local Government Chronicle Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hybrid EHC Needs Assessment Officer - Shape SEND Outcomes in Reigate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to SEND. We want you to showcase your knowledge and passion, so think about real-life examples that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even if it’s a hybrid role, looking professional can boost your confidence. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the position and respect the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role and remind them why you’d be a fantastic fit for the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Hybrid EHC Needs Assessment Officer - Shape SEND Outcomes in Reigate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for, so make sure your application reflects those key skills and experiences.
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on what’s relevant to the role. Highlight any work with SEND, your understanding of legislation, and how you've built relationships with families and schools. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the heart of your qualifications.
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 details you need to complete your application smoothly.
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 complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, highlight your ability to build trusted relationships with families and education providers. Share specific examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and understanding in past roles, as this is crucial for an EHC Needs Assessment Officer.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Casework
Prepare to talk about your experience managing casework, particularly in relation to the EHC Needs Assessment process. Think of examples where you've coordinated input from various services and met statutory deadlines, as this will be key to your success in the role.
✨Practice Clear Communication
Since clear communication is vital, practice explaining complex information in a straightforward way. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend, focusing on how you would convey important details about EHCPs and the support children need.
