At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND Tribunal cases and mediate disputes for children with special educational needs.
- Company: Join a supportive Local Authority team dedicated to improving outcomes for young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, hybrid working, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a great work-life balance with a range of employee benefits and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with SEND while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Degree level qualification or equivalent experience in SEN casework and strong knowledge of SEND legislation.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and confident professional to join our SENART team as a Temporary SEN Tribunal and Mediation Officer. This is a key role within the service, leading on SEND Tribunal work and mediation, ensuring the Local Authority meets its statutory duties while securing positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
About the Role
You will represent the Local Authority at SEND Tribunal hearings and mediation, preparing and presenting robust, evidence-based cases to defend the provision set out in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). You will work closely with families, schools and professionals to resolve disputes at the earliest opportunity, reducing the need for Tribunal where appropriate. This is a high-profile role requiring strong professional judgement, attention to detail and the ability to manage complex and sensitive cases.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead on preparation and management of SEND Tribunal cases, including drafting responses and reviewing evidence
- Represent the Local Authority at Tribunal hearings and mediation sessions
- Work with parents, schools, legal services and professionals to resolve disputes
- Provide clear, legally robust advice on SEND legislation and processes
- Identify evidential gaps, risks and strengths within cases and take proportionate action
- Ensure all work complies with statutory requirements including the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice
- Maintain accurate records and provide reports as required
About you – you will bring
- Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and Tribunal processes (including the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice)
- Experience of SEN casework within a Local Authority or education setting
- Experience of preparing Tribunal cases or working within a legal/decision-making framework
- Ability to analyse complex professional evidence (e.g. EP, SALT, OT, medical reports)
- Excellent written communication skills, with experience of producing clear and legally sound documents
- Confidence to represent the Local Authority in high-pressure situations
- A collaborative, solution-focused approach and strong stakeholder management skills
What we are looking for
- Degree level qualification or equivalent experience
- Ability to manage a high caseload and competing priorities
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Resilience and professionalism in challenging situations
- Commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND
What can I expect
- A competitive salary
- Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave
- Hybrid working (subject to role suitability)
- Access to high-quality training programs to advance your career to the next level.
- We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We recognise that resilient teams need good work‑life balance as well as supportive leadership.
- Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax‑efficient way to increase our pension.
- Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle to work scheme, and many more.
