EHC Practitioner

Position: EHC Practitioner (Contract)
Job Purpose

* To co-ordinate the statutory process for Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs assessments for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, across the age range of 0-25. Ensuring that all statutory time frames in the assessment process are met and delivered on time, as well as writing and co-producing Education, Health and Care Plans with children and their families.

* Responsible for a case load of children and young people that have EHCP’s and ensuring that the needs of these children and young people are appropriately met in their provision. This includes ensuring they have appropriate support, resources and placements at early years settings, schools and colleges to enable them to achieve their maximum potential for learning.

* To assist the EHC Team Manager, the EHC Area Lead’s and the Senior EHC Co-ordinator in the delivery of efficient systems to ensure that statutory processes are carried out within required timelines, and information is recorded accurately on the LA’s database.

* To support the statutory annual review process of Education, Health & Care plans and attend person centred review meetings at key transition points.
Specific Accountabilities of the Role
1. Undertake statutory needs led EHC assessments in accordance with the Children and Families Act 2014, and the SEND Code of Practice 2015, in conjunction with contributions from children, young people and their families, and other professionals across education, health and social care as appropriate within statutory timescales.
1. To plan and facilitate person centred multi-agency meetings, including acting as chairperson at meetings that agree a draft EHC Plan and indicative personal budget, if appropriate.
2. Construct and develop EHC Plans from approved assessments to achieve stated objectives and outcomes in relation to the needs of individuals, reflecting as closely as possible service users’ aspirations.
1. Construct and develop Multi-Agency Plan (MAP) of Support if assessment determines support should be provided from universal and targeted services.
1. As the named Coordinator, to be the main point of contact for all service users, including families and schools, ensuring their full involvement in meetings and development of the EHC Plan.
1. To work closely with all professionals, including Key Workers, to ensure their knowledge and experience informs the EHC plan, or MAP of support.
1. To provide written briefs and oral representation to the EHC and other Panels as required.
1. Undertake the on-going co-ordination, monitoring and annual review of EHC Plans to ensure the service user is receiving the appropriate level of support for their identified needs agreeing to maintain, amend or discontinue of the Plan as appropriate.
1. To attend Key Statutory Annual Reviews for pupils with EHC plans providing advice on SEN issues and provision.
1. Maintain and update all relevant records and forms in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018 and London Borough of Barking and Dagenham policies and procedures for effective working, efficient audit and clarity of information for management relating to performance targets and service provision.
1. To work sensitively and proactively with families, ensuring that they receive appropriate information and are aware of their rights under appropriate legislation.
1. To assist the Deputy Team Manager / Senior EHC Co-ordinators in action arising from appeals to SEND Tribunal or complaints and to do so promptly within timescales.
1. To attend regular supervision to ensure casework progression in accordance with the decisions of the relevant LA Panels including EHC Panel and Complex and Additional Needs Panel.
1. Demonstrate awareness/understanding of equal opportunities and other people’s behavioural, physical, social and welfare needs.
1. Ensure that reasonable care is taken at all times for the health, safety and welfare of yourself and other persons, and to comply with the policies and procedures relating to health and safety within the department.
1. Carry out any other duties which fall within the broad spirit,…