Assessment Officer; Statutory SEND Service

Overall Purpose of Job

The post holder is responsible for the effective administration under the Education Act 1996 and Children and Families Act 2014 of the statutory assessment of children and young people's special educational needs, including their subsequent placement, monitoring and annual review. The post holder will report to the SEND Team Manager and does not have line management responsibilities. As a named Case Officer for children and young people 0‑25 with complex additional needs, the holder will support them through the statutory EHC assessment process, secure placements, provide support during key transition stages and complete annual reviews in line with the SEND Code of Practice and Children and Families Act 2014.

The role supports schools and settings with complex assessments, annual reviews and reassessments, issues and maintains high‑quality EHCPs, and delivers the multi‑agency Quality Assurance Framework for EHCPs. The holder will assist the SEND Team Manager to ensure all phased transfer processes are completed within required timescales.

• Support the council’s vision to enable every resident under 25 to be safe, happy and cared for, with positive activities to secure their long‑term wellbeing.
• Co‑ordinate, advise and negotiate support for children and young people on behalf of the council, maintaining timely communication with families, practitioners and partners.
• Co‑produce plans with children, young people and their families to ensure the plans are person‑centred and reflect the child’s needs and ambitions.
• Commission and analyse professional advice from a wide range of sources to write and deliver tailored plans and support.
• Embed person‑centred and timely transition planning, promote the voice of the child and maximise opportunities for partnership work with parents and carers.
• Write, prepare and present information at the multi‑agency SEND panel to support transparent, timely and consistent decision making.
• Create high‑quality, outcomes‑focused and personalised Education, Health and Care plans within statutory timescales, prioritising participation of children, young people, parents and carers from the outset and treating all parties with dignity and respect.
• Ensure that information and communications with children and families are provided in an accessible format, considering language, communication needs and cultural barriers.
• Facilitate the placement of children and young people in settings appropriate to their SEN, as set out in their EHCP and develop personal budgets.
• Conduct consultation exercises with schools and settings for children and young people in line with the SEND Code of Practice and local frameworks.
• Review the outcomes of Annual Review meetings and respond to changes within statutory time periods, implementing decisions in liaison with partner services and schools.
• Attend targeted review, family or transition meetings as required by the SEND Team Manager, both within and outside the borough, to consider the child’s development, aspirations and planning needs.
• Deliver work tasks allocated within agreed timescales, using information and formal supervision to highlight any barriers in a timely manner.
• Respond to complex enquiries, challenges and complaints professionally, supporting resolution and demonstrating in‑depth knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Uphold the council’s HEART values and promote inclusive practice, resolving conflicts with parents, carers, settings and professionals through mediation whenever possible.
• Prepare information required when the council is challenged through the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal.
• Support the leadership team by responding promptly and positively to requests such as providing reports, promoting the Local Offer and attending events.
• Adhere to the highest data quality standards, ensuring effective case recording and tracking to report progress against key performance indicators and seek improvements.
• Undertake special projects as identified by the SEND Team Manager with a focus on SEN and the service.
• Adhere to guidance on the use of council premises and equipment as directed.