At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs through assessments and collaboration with families and schools.
- Company: Join Surrey County Council, a progressive organisation dedicated to improving lives in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, flexible working, lifestyle discounts, and extensive employee support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: A-levels or equivalent, experience in SEND, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working and opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 30647 - 42898 £ per year.
Overview
Join to apply for the Education Health Care Needs Assessment Officers (EHCNA Officers) role at Surrey County Council. We’re recruiting to strengthen our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) service as part of an ongoing restructuring. The starting salary is £30,647 per annum (36-hour week). The role supports hybrid working with a minimum of two days in the office each week; the office base is Victoria Gate in Woking. The role involves visits to schools and settings across Surrey to support collaborative working.
Responsibilities
- Manage casework related to the 20-week EHC Needs Assessment process, engaging with families and education providers to facilitate informed discussions
- Coordinate input from Education, Health, and Care services to ensure each child receives appropriate support
- Draft EHCPs that are clear, accurate, and high quality
- Apply a person-centred approach and contribute to reflective practice and continuous improvement within the team
- Collaborate with children’s Social Care, Health, parents/carers, families, schools and partner organisations to achieve positive outcomes
Qualifications and Requirements
- Educated to A-level or equivalent, with training or experience in SEND, including the Code of Practice and Children and Families Act 2014
- Good knowledge of Surrey’s SEND policies, national guidance, and legislation
- Familiarity with Surrey County Council’s Local Offer and school provisions, or willingness to learn
- Ability to draft EHC Plans and articulate recommendations from written reports
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Experience of working collaboratively with children, young people, and families
- Awareness of the impact of SEND on vulnerable children and young people
- Competence in IT tools including MS Office and database management
Shortlisting Criteria
- Two-way travel across Surrey to meet the demands of the role
- Demonstrated ability to meet statutory deadlines and manage multiple tasks
Benefits
- 26 days’ holiday (pro rata for part-time staff), 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
- Extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Up to 5 days of carer’s leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
- Local government salary-related pension
- Lifestyle discounts (gym, travel, shopping, etc.)
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development resources
Contact and Other Information
Please contact Deborah Degnan via email at Deborah.Degnan@surreycc.gov.uk for informal discussions or questions about the role. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 14 September. This role requires a valid Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR): Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation to implement devolution and move to new unitary councils from April 2027. This role will transfer with terms and conditions intact to one of the new units.
We are an inclusive and diverse employer and welcome applications from all underrepresented groups. Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, with a guaranteed interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria and have disclosed a disability.
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Education Health Care Needs Assessment Officers employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Health Care Needs Assessment Officers
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Surrey's SEND policies and the Local Offer. Understanding these will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the community you'll be serving.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former EHCNA Officers or professionals in the SEND field. They can provide insights into the role and the council's expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions that may arise during interviews. Think about how you would handle specific cases or challenges related to EHC Needs Assessments, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight any relevant experience you have working collaboratively with families and educational settings. Be ready to discuss specific examples that illustrate your communication and customer service skills, as these are crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Health Care Needs Assessment Officers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Education Health Care Needs Assessment Officers role. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any experience you have in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly your familiarity with the Code of Practice and Children and Families Act 2014. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication and customer service skills are crucial for this role, provide examples in your application that illustrate your ability to engage effectively with families, children, and educational providers.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application is tailored specifically for Surrey County Council. Mention your knowledge of Surrey’s SEND policies and your willingness to learn about the Local Offer and school provisions in your cover letter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of an Education Health Care Needs Assessment Officer. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with managing casework, coordinating with various services, and drafting high-quality EHCPs.
✨Familiarise Yourself with SEND Legislation
Brush up on the Code of Practice and the Children and Families Act 2014, as well as Surrey’s SEND policies. Being able to articulate your knowledge of these regulations will demonstrate your commitment and suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves collaboration with families, schools, and other organisations, be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have in customer service or working with vulnerable groups.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the restructuring process at Surrey County Council. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.