DBS0770 Senior SEND Officer

The SEND Support Service deals with the Education Health and Care Needs Assessments and review of Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for children and young people in North Tyneside.

As a Senior SEND Officer, you will be responsible for leading a team of SEND officers in one of our four teams. SEND Officers are responsible for co-ordinating Education Health and Care Needs Assessments, and managing the Education Heath and Care Plan process including attending and processing annual reviews.

The successful applicants must have a sound knowledge and understanding of the SEND Code of Practice (2015). Experience in completing assessments is essential and writing and / or reviewing EHCPs is desirable.

The role also requires excellent written and verbal communication skills and the resilience to deal with complex and challenging situations. You will be required to support SEND officers to work proactively with parents, young people, schools and other relevant professionals in order to coordinate assessments and reviews within timescales. You may also be required to support SEND Officers to prepare for mediation and tribunals and may represent the Local Authority in these.

You will lead an enthusiastic and committed team of SEND officers in one of our four teams of three or four SEND Officers, each team leading on new assessments, annual reviews, phase transfer reviews or preparation for adulthood reviews. You will use data effectively to ensure we meet statutory timescales, and you will supervise staff and take responsibility for supporting their wellbeing and development through regular supervision and Individual Performance Review.

You will support the development of the service and will deputise for the Senior Manager on occasions and also provide cover for Senior SEND Officer colleagues' absence. You will participate in a number of internal and multi-agency forums and will participate in the weekly SEND Panel.

This is an exciting time to join the service which over recent years has more than doubled in size and continues to review and update its operating model. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and supportive staff group who are passionate about getting the best outcomes for children and young people.

Regular supervision will be available alongside informal support from colleagues and managers. Training will be available. The role will be based at the Langdale Centre and may involve some lone working and travel to meetings.