Assessments Case Review Officer - Ref: CH07026 in Walsall

The Assessments Case Review Officer will lead the quality assurance of Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments within the SEND Assessment Service. Working closely with families, schools, and health and social care professionals, the postholder will ensure decisions are evidence‑based, legally compliant and defensible, provide professional challenge, maintain clear audit trails, and identify cases requiring escalation. The role also involves leading pre‑mediation and pre‑legal meetings, supporting mediation and tribunal processes, delivering training, analysing service trends and developing guidance to improve decision‑making consistency across the department.

Closing Date: 14th October 2026

This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.

Walsall Council takes seriously the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all the children, young people and vulnerable adults entrusted to our care and it is our expectation that all staff will share this commitment. We will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce. Completion of an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement for working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.

For this role the successful candidates must undergo a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check. BPSS is the minimum standard to ensure the identity and integrity of an employee who has access to official information using secure networks linking central government and local authorities. A BPSS check involves four main elements; Identity Check, National and Immigration Status, Employment History (last 3 years) and Verification of Criminal Record (unspent convictions only).

Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them.

Responsibilities:

• Quality assure EHC assessment decisions for consistency, evidence‑base, legal compliance and defensibility.
• Maintain clear audit trails and document professional challenge for each case.
• Identify complex or high‑risk cases and escalate to senior management as required.
• Collaborate with families, schools and health/social care professionals to explain decisions and agree next steps.
• Lead sensitive pre‑mediation and pre‑legal meetings and support mediation and tribunal processes.
• Deliver training sessions for staff on assessment standards, legal frameworks and best practice.
• Analyse service data and trends to inform continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and update guidance, policies and procedures to enhance decision‑making quality.
• Provide expert advice to the SEND Assessment Service on statutory requirements and risk management.
• Participate in multi‑agency meetings and contribute to strategic planning for the EHCP assessment pathway.

Qualifications:

• Level 5 or above qualification or equivalent experience in education, health, social care or related field.
• Extensive knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and relevant legislation (e.g., Children and Families Act 2014).
• Proven experience in case review, quality assurance or audit within a SEND or similar setting.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data and produce actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for working with families, professionals and senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate pre‑mediation and pre‑legal meetings.
• Experience delivering training and developing guidance documents.
• High level of organisational ability and attention to detail for maintaining audit trails.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with SEND policy changes.