At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage casework for Education Health Care Needs Assessments and support children with special educational needs.
- Company: Surrey County Council, dedicated to improving SEND services for children and families.
- Benefits: Generous salary, hybrid working, 26+ days holiday, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- 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.
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.
At Surrey County Council, we're committed to providing excellent support for children and young people with SEND. Our SEND services work together to deliver timely, effective support that leads to positive outcomes. We focus on building strong, respectful relationships with families, schools and partner organisations, with relational and restorative practices underpinning all our work.
As an Education Health Care Needs Assessment Officer, you'll join a newly established countywide Education Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment team.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
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
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. 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.
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: Radix Solutions
Surrey County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Education Health Care Needs Assessment Officers. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, generous leave policies, and opportunities for professional development, staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Surrey. The hybrid working model and collaborative team culture further enhance the appeal of this role, allowing for flexibility and a balanced work-life experience.
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. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the team and the work culture, plus it might just lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to SEND and EHC needs assessments. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for improving outcomes for children and young people during interviews. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to SEND and how you’ve made a difference in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our fantastic team.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Health Care Needs Assessment Officer in Reigate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND:When writing your application, let your passion for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities shine through. Share personal experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
Be Clear and Concise:Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use clear language to explain your skills and experiences, especially those related to the key responsibilities of the EHCNA Officer role.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to showcase any relevant training or experience you have in SEN, including knowledge of legislation like the Code of Practice and Children and Families Act 2014. This will help us see how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Radix Solutions
✨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 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 Communication Skills
Since this role requires clear and confident communication, practice articulating your thoughts on how you would engage with families and education providers. Think of examples where you've successfully built relationships or resolved conflicts, as these will demonstrate your ability to connect with others.
✨Be Person-Centred
Prepare to discuss how you would use a person-centred approach in your work. Think about how you can keep children and their needs at the forefront of your assessments and decisions. Sharing specific examples from your past experiences will help illustrate your commitment to this 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 show that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running in this role.
