SEN Team Leader in Portsmouth

We are seeking a highly motivated SEN Team Leader to join our established SEN Team. This is an exciting time to join us as we prepare for national SEND reforms and continue to strengthen inclusive practice across the city. This is a part-time role working 14.8 hours per week.

As SEN Team Leader, you will play a key leadership role in ensuring the Local Authority delivers its statutory responsibilities relating to Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessments, plans, annual reviews and specialist placements for children and young people aged 0 to 25. Working closely with the SEN Service Manager, you will oversee a team of SEND Advisers and SEN Caseworkers, providing leadership, guidance and quality assurance across a complex and varied caseload.

You will:

• Lead and supervise statutory SEND casework and EHC processes.
• Ensure EHC needs assessments, plans and annual reviews are completed to a high standard and within statutory timescales.
• Manage complex cases, complaints, mediation and tribunal-related work.
• Build effective relationships with families, schools, colleges, health professionals and partner agencies.
• Contribute to strategic SEND developments, service improvement initiatives and preparation for national reforms.
• Support staff development, wellbeing and performance within a positive and inclusive team culture.
• Represent the Local Authority at multi-agency panels, professional meetings and strategic forums.

The ideal candidate will have substantial SEND experience and a thorough understanding of statutory SEND processes. You will have:

• A relevant Level 5 qualification or significant equivalent experience in education, health, social care or SEND.
• Detailed knowledge of SEND legislation and Local Authority duties relating to EHC assessments and plans.
• Experience of working with children, young people and families with SEND or managing complex SEND casework.
• Strong communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes under pressure.
• Experience of working collaboratively with a range of professionals and partner organisations.
• Competence in Microsoft 365 and case management systems.
• Experience of line management, quality assurance, SEND tribunal processes or service improvement projects would be advantageous.

Hybrid Working Arrangements: You will be required to work in the office for part of the working week in line with service needs and council policy.

Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.