# Senior SEN Officer (Tribunals) in Oxford**Oxfordshire County Council**Oxford, Oxfordshire Start Date30/10/2026£58,034.00 Full-TimeOxfordshire County Council is recruiting a Senior SEN Officer (Tribunals) for a permanent, 37-hour role in Oxford. The annual salary is £56,294 to £59,774, and applications remain open until 30 October 2026. The post leads special educational needs and disabilities tribunal casework for the local authority. The role works with schools, families, partner agencies and council teams on legally compliant decisions and support. The Oxford vacancies search includes this location.The officer manages allocated SENDIST cases, prepares matters for hearings and attends tribunal proceedings when required. The post also covers mediation, pre-Tribunal meetings, statutory deadlines and advice to education settings. Oxfordshire County Council lists the role as permanent with a base in Oxford and job reference OCC/TP/930/2351. The Oxfordshire County Council vacancy gives the published application details.* Role: Senior SEN Officer (Tribunals)* Employer: Oxfordshire County Council* Location: Oxford, United Kingdom* Employment type: Permanent* Hours: 37 per week* Salary: £56,294 to £59,774 per year* Closing date: 30 October 2026* Reference: OCC/TP/930/2351Apply For This RoleThe application requires the candidate's employment history, evidence of SEND tribunal experience and examples of managing complex statutory casework. The hiring process also requires the candidate to address the essential knowledge and communication criteria described in the vacancy.## Tribunal Casework And Legal DeadlinesThe officer leads allocated SENDIST tribunal cases from preparation through hearing activity. Core work includes checking case records, meeting legal deadlines and ensuring submissions follow Tribunal rules. The post-holder attends Way Forward meetings, mediation and pre-Tribunal meetings when required.Representation at SEND Tribunal hearings forms part of the role. The officer also reviews case progress, identifies outstanding information and keeps partner agencies informed. Accurate records and timely written communication support each stage of an appeal.* Manage allocated SENDIST tribunal cases.* Prepare cases in line with Tribunal rules.* Attend Way Forward, mediation and pre-Tribunal meetings.* Represent the local authority at hearings when required.## Schools Families And Partner AgenciesThe role advises and challenges headteachers, SENCOs, governing bodies and academy trusts. The officer works with schools and partner agencies to meet statutory timescales and resolve casework issues. Communication with families and external organisations remains part of the case-management process.Multi-agency planning meetings and child protection case conferences form part of the wider duties when required. The officer communicates relevant legislative and procedural updates to staff. Training covers the SEND Code of Practice and the Disability Discrimination Act.## Experience With SENDIST AppealsStrong knowledge of SEND legislation and Tribunal processes is required. The successful candidate has experience managing SENDIST cases and confidence representing a local authority at Tribunal hearings. Experience attending and managing appeals supports the legal and operational demands of the post.The role requires clear written and verbal communication, sound organisation and the ability to manage complex casework. Problem-solving, stakeholder management and the ability to work with families and agencies are part of the essential skill set. The officer also keeps current with statutory guidance, policies and procedures.## Flexible Council EmploymentOxfordshire County Council provides annual leave starting at 30 days plus bank holidays and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. The employment package includes a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme, family-friendly policies, staff discounts and learning and development opportunities.Flexible-working discussions can cover flexi-time, part-time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, subject to the needs of the role and service. The council also lists childcare vouchers, cycle-to-work and electric-car schemes. Disabled applicants and care leavers who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview under the stated schemes.The post carries safeguarding responsibilities for children, young people and adults. The office base may change during the transition from temporary to permanent locations following County Hall's closure, and the vacancy states that travel reimbursement does not apply if that change affects the employee.The application deadline is 30 October 2026, leaving more than seven days from 6 October 2026 for an eligible candidate to submit an application. The job reference OCC/TP/930/2351 identifies the vacancy in the council's recruitment system. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior SEN Officer (Tribunals) in Oxford
