SEN Case Officer

Description:

3 months contract with A Local Authority

Job Summary:

·         To lead on and manage a caseload of children and young people 0-25 with SEND, subject to Statutory Assessment and review, advising parents and schools where required and appropriate, taking forward to resolution whenever possible, within current policy and subject to decisions made by the Statutory Assessment and Review Panel, on behalf of the Local Authority.

Key Duties/Accountabilities:

·         To lead on and manage a caseload of children and young people, ensuring completion of the Statutory Assessment process as detailed in the DfE SEND Code of Practice and related regulations and legislation, including being the named officer for the purposes of parental contact during the process of Statutory Assessment and review.

·         As a representative of the Local Authority to provide advice and guidance to schools to ensure that they understand the Statutory Assessment process, the SEND Code of Practice, the Children and Families Act and their responsibilities to those children and young people on their school roll with SEND.

·         To provide advice and guidance to parents and carers to ensure that they understand the Statutory Assessment and Review process, including the processes applicable to children and young people who already have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP).

·         To work closely with the SEN Legal Team, Managers and Senior Officers in order to manage tribunal appeals, including preparation of Working Documents, checking LA responses to Tribunal, supporting bundle preparations, requesting advice from appropriate Professionals and working with and supporting other Case Officers in the team on the Tribunal process, if required.

·         To assist and advise parents/carers on their approach to their child’s school regarding their SEND, to facilitate the establishment of the appropriate support for their child at the earliest opportunity.

·         To support the review and development of structures, procedures and working methods for which the post holder is responsible, to ensure an integrated, effective and efficient approach to the delivery of specialist services.

Essential Experience Required:

·         Experience of working in schools, LA’s or other relevant educational setting with some experience and /or responsibility for SEND.

·         Demonstrate a commitment to the protection, wellbeing and safeguarding of all service users.

·         Knowledge of all legislation regarding Special Educational Needs, including the Children and Families Act, Education Act and COP.

Essential Qualifications Required:

·         Qualified Teacher Status and/ or equivalent qualification and/or relevant degree.

·         Education practitioner, Qualified Social Worker or a therapist qualification, includes but not limited to Educational Psychologist, Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist/ Speech and Language Therapist/ education advisor, education specialist or other.

Additional information to note:

·         Enhanced DBS.

The closing date for this position is 03/05/24