This fixed-term post sits within Somerset Council's Statutory SEND service, on a 1- or 2-year contract. The role centres on running statutory assessment and the Education, Health and Care Plan process for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and leading a team of assessment and review officers. The post combines hybrid working, with at least two days a week at County Hall, and chairing multi-agency meetings and handling tribunals and mediation. Visa sponsorship is not offered, so candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.
What the job involves
- Lead SEND assessments and EHCP delivery, with child-centred outcomes
- Manage and develop a team of Assessment and Review Officers
- Oversee complex cases and give expert guidance to children, young people and families
- Lead complex decision-making
- Chair multi-agency meetings and work with partners to resolve complex situations
- Champion inclusion and early intervention through multi-agency partnerships
- Drive continuous improvement, quality practice and service performance
- Monitor SEND performance
- Deliver operational statutory assessment and associated SEND processes so the council meets its statutory responsibilities
- Work within SEND tribunals and mediations
- Help shape and develop Somerset's SEND services through specialist expertise
What’s required
Qualifications
- Relevant professional qualification, such as Teaching, Social Work or Management, or equivalent Level 6 qualification
Experience
- Producing high-quality, person-centred plans
- Multi-agency and multi-disciplinary working, including assessing and managing risk for vulnerable children and young people
- Working within safeguarding policies and procedures
Skills & knowledge
- Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, including the Equality Act, Children and Families Act and SEND Code of Practice
- Leading multi-agency meetings and driving positive outcomes
- Building trusted relationships with children, families, schools and professionals
Checks & eligibility
- Right to work in the UK without sponsorship
What’s offered
- 30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional leave
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working where service needs allow
- Health and wellbeing support, including confidential employee assistance
- Paid volunteering opportunities
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Contact Details:
The Methodist Church in Britain Recruitment Team
