Job Description

Special Educational Needs Officer

We are looking for a Special Educational Needs Officer based in Bedfordshire. It is a 3-month initial contract with possible extension, but you must have the tribunal experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• To manage and oversee the EHC Needs assessment, annual review and placement process for children and young people from 0 years to age 25, by determining the appropriate level of support and identifying placements for children and young people with SEN and ensuring that any agreed amendments to the EHCP and/or change in provision and placement are made in consultation with parents and all other parties, and all records for students are maintained and up to date at all times.
• Working alongside finance teams to ensure the careful management of and accountability for SEN budgets.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with parents, schools, colleges and providers to provide information, advice and support, and manage expectations, issues and arising disputes on SEND decisions.
• Attend mediation and pre-hearing tribunal meetings as required, leading and managing the Tribunal process to ensure that all deadline dates are met and that all case preparation is in line with Tribunal processes.

Skills and Experience Required:

• Strong knowledge of statutory SEN processes, policies and guidelines.
• Experience in tribunals, ideally within the SEND or education sector.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships.
• Ability to manage budgets, and update and maintain databases.