Senior Assessment & Reviewing Officer in Taunton

Salary: Grade 10, ranging from £37,280 to £41,771 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. As a Senior Assessment and Reviewing Officer, you will play a key leadership role across Statutory SEND, supporting the delivery of the Local Authority’s duties in relation to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). This is an opportunity to shape brighter futures through high-quality, inclusive practice and strong partnership working. We’re working to transform SEND services in Somerset and you will be a key part of that journey. Your leadership will help remove barriers, improve outcomes, and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. Your work will be central to ensuring children and young people receive the support they need to thrive.

Leading and supporting the delivery of statutory SEND processes, monitoring performance, chairing multi-agency meetings and working collaboratively with partners to resolve complex situations unlocks the full potential for every child.

Role summary

You will be responsible for the operational delivery for the Statutory Assessment and associated SEND processes ensuring that the Somerset Council meets its statutory responsibilities. You will support the Local Authority in meeting the requirements of the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015.

What you’ll do - key responsibilities

• Lead the operational delivery of statutory SEND assessments, ensuring compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice.
• Act as lead for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), ensuring high‑quality, needs‑led plans and effective multi‑agency coordination.
• Promote professional standards through outcome‑focused assessments and inclusive practice that supports wider Council and Local Area SEND objectives.
• Lead a defined SEND specialism portfolio, contributing expertise to the senior team.
• Directly manage a small team of Assessment and Review Officers, overseeing supervision, performance, wellbeing and delivery of key performance indicators.
• Manage and allocate complex caseloads, including authorisations and decision‑making in line with the Somerset SEND Scheme of Delegation.
• Act as a key point of contact for children, young people and families with complex needs, ensuring appropriate advice, support and services.
• Coordinate professionals and services, including social care, health and education, and lead person‑centred planning meetings where required.
• Promote early identification of SEND and inclusive practice through multi‑agency working and partnership with universal services.
• Lead on support for vulnerable groups, including data analysis, research and partnership working in line with the SEND Code of Practice.
• Develop and support training and quality improvement initiatives to strengthen inclusive practice.
• Hold a complex personal caseload and act as lead professional in dispute resolution, mediation and SEND Tribunals.
• Work closely with commissioning to secure appropriate placements and provision through the EHCP process.
• Support transparent, equitable decision‑making and continuous performance improvement across the service.
• Work collaboratively with strategic leads and partner agencies to ensure consistency, quality and compliance with legislation and safeguarding requirements.

What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills

• Recognised and relevant professional qualifications e.g. Teaching, Social Work, other Level 6 qualifications, management qualifications.
• Evidence of work‑related continuing management development.
• Experience of writing excellent, concise and quality person‑centred plans.
• Knowledge of SEND legislation, including the Equality Act 2010, Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015.
• Sound understanding and practice of multi‑disciplinary working.
• Ability to assess and manage risk for the most vulnerable children.
• Experience of working with IT client databases.
• Experience of working within safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Experience of leading multi‑agency meetings.
• Strong team‑working skills, with the ability to lead, work on own initiative and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Experience of writing high‑quality, concise, person‑centred plans.
• Ability to speak fluent English in line with legislative requirements.
• Strong time management, organisational, prioritisation and delegation skills.
• Ability to build effective, honest and trusting relationships with children and young people, families, schools and other professionals.

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.
• 30 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.