At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage SEND Tribunal Appeals and collaborate with families to ensure children's needs are met.
- Company: Birmingham City Council, dedicated to improving lives of children with special educational needs.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, support for caring responsibilities, and a positive recruitment journey.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to equality, diversity, and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Expert knowledge of SEND Code of Practice and experience in managing appeals.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 53460 £ per year.
Permanent
Grade D - £45,091 - £53,460 Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Pay Equity Review
Working hours: 36.5 hours per week (hybrid working)
About the role
Do you want to work within a team that is passionate about making a difference for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families? Birmingham City Council’s SEND and Inclusion services (part of the Children and Families Directorate) are growing as part of the council’s long‑term commitment to children and young people to improve their lives and support their families. As part of this growth, the SENAR Service, which is responsible for Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and over 12,000 children and young people with EHC plans, is looking for outstanding people to join the workforce and deliver a high‑quality service. As a SEND Appeals Officer, you will work within the SENAR Appeals team. Your focus will be on the effective and efficient management of First Tier SEND Tribunal Appeals, collaborating with stakeholders to resolve concerns and to find positive solutions, so children and young people have their special educational needs met. This will include attending SEND Tribunal Hearings on behalf of the local authority.
Key responsibilities
- Build and maintain effective relationships with senior colleagues, external agencies, children, young people and their parent carers
- Case‑manage appeals from notification of the appeal to the local authority to the hearing within statutory timescales
- Relate the SEND Code of Practice directly to the situations presented by young people, families and other stakeholders, drawing on evidence to present the position of the local authority accurately and empathetically
- Supervise assistant appeal officers
- Ensure statutory obligations, safeguarding, and performance objectives are met through robust procedures
To succeed in this role
- Expert knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and experience representing a local authority in SEND meetings, mediations and/or appeals
- The ability to plan and manage work to optimise resources available, ensuring timelines and budgets are met
- The ability to analyse and assess information, to pick out the key issues for action and to problem‑solve
- Experience of managing difficult conversations with families (and their advocates) empathetically, with tact and sensitivity
- Be adaptable, meet deadlines, be solution‑focused and work under pressure
- A commitment to equality, diversity, and safeguarding, alongside the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines
Benefits
Flexible working options will be considered. We support employees with caring responsibilities. We provide a positive and equitable recruitment journey and accept reasonable adjustments to support applicants.
SEND Appeals Officer in Birmingham employer: WMJobs
Birmingham City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer flexible working options, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth within our SEND and Inclusion services. Join us in a role where your expertise will directly contribute to positive outcomes for families in Birmingham, all while enjoying a collaborative and inclusive environment.
