At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex SEND casework and represent the Local Authority at Tribunal hearings.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on supporting children and young people with special educational needs.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive daily rate, and opportunity to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future for children and young people aged 0-25.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND Tribunal appeals and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 104000 - 120000 £ per year.
Rate: £400 per day (Inside IR35, umbrella)
Duration: 3 months initially
Working Pattern: Flexible hybrid
Enhanced DBS Required
Start: ASAP
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced SEN Tribunal Officer to manage complex SEND casework for children and young people aged 0–25 where an appeal is currently open with the SEND Tribunal. This is a key role requiring an experienced SEND professional with a strong background in tribunal appeals and hearings. You will coordinate and lead complex cases, work closely with families and multi-agency partners, and represent the Local Authority at Tribunal where required. The successful candidate will be able to take ownership of an active caseload, work to tight deadlines and confidently manage complex, contentious and high-risk cases.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage complex SEND casework for children and young people aged 0–25 where appeals are open with the SEND Tribunal
- Deliver high-quality casework that supports resolution and reconciliation wherever possible
- Represent the Local Authority at SEND Tribunal hearings and defend the appropriateness of proposed provision
- Coordinate robust multi-agency responses to Tribunal appeals
- Develop case chronologies and coordinate Tribunal documentation and evidence
- Arrange and chair conferences and multi-agency meetings as required
- Work closely with parents, carers, schools and education, health and care professionals
- Use strong negotiation and influencing skills to manage complex and contentious cases
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive case records and database information
- Contribute to quality assurance, policy development and improvements to SEND casework processes
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of SEND legislation, case law, policies and procedures
- Support work to minimise the Local Authority's exposure to Tribunal appeals, litigation, judicial review and complaints
Key Requirements
- Proven experience managing SEND Tribunal appeals, including representing a Local Authority at hearings
- At least 2–3 years' experience working within or closely aligned to SEND services
- Experience managing complex SEND casework and statutory processes
- Strong knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and Equality Act 2010
- Experience working with families, parents, carers and children and young people
- Strong multi-agency working experience across education, health and care
- Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities to tight statutory and Tribunal deadlines
- Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality reports and Tribunal documentation
- Strong IT and database management skills
- Enhanced DBS
SEN Tribunal Officer employer: Venn Group Careers
Join a prestigious trade union in London, where your expertise as an Employment Solicitor will directly contribute to advocating for workers' rights. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture, this role offers competitive pay and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community. Enjoy the benefits of working in a supportive environment that values your contributions and fosters professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Tribunal Officer
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Venn Group Careers.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Venn Group Careers!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Venn Group Careers, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Venn Group Careers or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Tribunal Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Venn Group Careers:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Venn Group Careers! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Venn Group Careers
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
