SEN Assessment & Review Officer

Description

We seek an SEN Assessment & Review Officer to work directly with senior staff at a designated number of schools, ensuring that the LA meets all legal requirements regarding the Children and Families Act 2014. Your role will be crucial in directly challenging and supporting schools, professionals, and families regarding the Children and Families Act 2014. You will manage a complex caseload and casework to ensure the LA can respond to SEND children and young people’s needs as they change.

Responsibilities

Your role will involve working closely with parents, carers, children, and young people to ensure that the needs assessment process is undertaken in a clear, accessible, and collaborative manner. You will write EHC plans in co-production with parents and children/ young people, ensuring that the range of relevant reports from professionals is considered and reflected in the plan and that it is fully compliant with the Code of Practice. You will also support parents, children, and young people in developing aspirations and aspirational outcomes that inform plans.

Qualification – Essential

• GCSE Grade (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent or at least three years of experience in SEND
• Advanced –Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Social Media.

Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience Requirements - Criteria-to be Tested at Shortlisting.

• Experience of SEND processes within a local authority.
• Experience in drafting EHC Plans or statements of special educational needs.
• Experience working directly with educational establishments such as nurseries, schools or colleges.
• Good knowledge of primary, secondary or further education systems.
• Good understanding of the principles underpinning the SEND reforms.
• Knowledge of the Education Act 1996, the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEN Code of Practice 2015.
• Knowledge of the Department for Education (DfE)’s Transitional Guidance.
• Ability to use word processing packages, spreadsheets and databases to a high standard, including database reporting tools.
• Ability to effectively communicate to a high standard verbally and in writing with parents, young people, schools, professionals, members of the public and other agencies.
• Ability to initiate partnerships with parents, young people, schools, professionals and other agencies.
• Ability to challenge schools, parents, and professionals on matters directly relating to relevant legislation.
• Skills in direct work and effective communication to develop partnerships with parents, children and young people.
• Good understanding of outcome-focused planning.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow agreed procedures.
• Ability to prioritise and manage own workload.
• Ability to demonstrate resilience under pressure and meet targets.
• Good presentation, negotiation and advisory skills.
• Applying the equal opportunities policy within the SEND Assessment Service.
• Working arrangements are in the office while completing training and hybrid working arrangements (3 days in the office, 2 days at home).

Essential Compliance Requirements

• 5 Years References.
• Enhanced DBS.
• A pre-engagement screening is mandatory for this role. Please be prepared for this additional step in the application process.

Diamond Blaque Group- A leading public sector provider, is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. Our organisation is deeply committed to fostering an environment of equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace.