At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities by managing assessments and reviews.
- Company: Join Somerset Council's dedicated Statutory SEND team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 28 days annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with strong career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be a key player in improving lives and ensuring quality support for young people.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualifications in teaching or social work, with experience in multi-agency collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 32061 £ per year.
Salary: Grade 12, ranging from £28,598 - £32,061 per annum.
Join us on our mission to improve the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Somerset. We are looking for a motivated and organised Assessment and Reviewing Officer (ARO) to join our Statutory SEND team, supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). With inclusion at the heart of the service, we support children and young people with Education Health Care Plans.
You will manage a caseload of children and young people, ensuring high-quality plans are produced, reviewed, and maintained in line with legal requirements.
Role summary
As an Assessment and Reviewing Officer you will ensure children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) receive high‑quality, outcome‑focused EHC assessments and annual reviews within statutory timescales. Acting as the key point of contact for families, education settings and professionals, the role coordinates multi‑agency input and delivers accurate, person‑centred EHC plans that reflect each child or young person’s needs and aspirations. You will manage your own caseload, maintain strong relationships with families and partners, and support statutory processes including mediation and tribunal work, helping Somerset Council meet its duties and deliver consistently high standards for SEND services.
What you’ll do – key responsibilities
- Coordinate outcome‑focused EHCP assessments and reviews within statutory timescales.
- Act as a single point of contact for families, settings and professionals.
- Work collaboratively across education, health and social care services.
- Produce clear, person‑centred plans and maintain accurate case records.
- Support mediation, tribunal preparation and service improvement.
- Ensure compliance with SEND legislation and safeguarding procedures.
What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills
- Recognised and relevant professional qualification e.g. Teaching, Social Work, other level 3 qualifications, management qualifications.
- Evidence of work-related continuing management development.
- Understanding of person-centred planning and ability to produce high‑quality, outcome‑focused EHCPs using multi‑agency information.
- Knowledge of statutory SEND processes, including EHC needs assessments, annual reviews, and legal timeframes.
- Experience of multi‑disciplinary and multi‑agency working.
- Ability to assess and manage risk for vulnerable children and young people.
- Experience of leading multi‑agency meetings.
- Experience of writing high‑quality, person‑centred plans.
- Experience of working with IT client databases.
- Experience of working within safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and on own initiative, prioritising workload appropriately.
- Strong organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritise and delegate effectively.
- Ability to build honest, trusting and effective relationships with children, young people, families, schools and professionals.
- Ability to communicate effectively in fluent English.
Additional Information
- Permanent contract - 37 hours per week.
- This role offers hybrid working, allowing you to work either from home or from our offices at County Hall, Taunton. There is an expectation that you will be in the office a minimum of two days a week.
- 28 days annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
- Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.
- Interviews have been planned for the week of the 15th June 2026.
- For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Katie Knight, Service Manager - Disputes and Resolutions Team, at katie.knight@somerset.gov.uk.
- A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request via recruitment@somerset.gov.uk.
Assessment & Reviewing Officer in Taunton employer: Somerset-Council-1
Join Somerset Council as an Assessment and Reviewing Officer, where you will play a vital role in enhancing the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our supportive work culture prioritises inclusion and collaboration, offering hybrid working options and generous annual leave to ensure a healthy work-life balance. With opportunities for professional development and a commitment to high-quality service delivery, Somerset Council is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assessment & Reviewing Officer in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the SEND sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission to support children and young people with SEND. Show them you're passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to multi-agency working and person-centred planning. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do for children and young people with SEND.
We think you need these skills to ace Assessment & Reviewing Officer in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Assessment & Reviewing Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to improving the lives of children and young people with SEND in Somerset!
Showcase Your Experience:When writing your application, emphasise your experience with multi-agency working and producing high-quality, person-centred plans. We’re looking for evidence that you understand the statutory SEND processes and can manage a caseload effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex topics like EHC assessments and reviews.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset-Council-1
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) legislation and processes. Familiarise yourself with Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) and the statutory requirements around assessments and reviews. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the critical aspects of it.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Assessment and Reviewing Officer, you'll need to manage a caseload effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully organised and prioritised tasks. Be ready to discuss how you handle deadlines and ensure compliance with legal timeframes.
✨Build Rapport with Families
Since you'll be acting as a key point of contact for families, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build trusting relationships. Share specific instances where you've successfully communicated with families or worked collaboratively with multi-agency teams to support children and young people.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during your interview. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role, such as managing conflicts or navigating complex cases. Prepare thoughtful responses that highlight your problem-solving skills and your commitment to person-centred planning.
