Special Educational Needs (SEN) Officer

Paying 160-200 per day

June – September

We are recruiting on behalf of our client for the below role;

• to be responsible for aspects SEN casework , for children and young people aged 0 to 25, working with the SEN Casework Team across Oxfordshire in Banbury, Abingdon and Oxford.
• to develop and secure the highest standards of achievement and inclusion for children and young people with SEN within the policy and budget framework
• to assist in the development of policy, procedures and provision for children with SEN;

This post holder is responsible for ensuring that all Safeguarding Policies are adhered to and concerns are raised in accordance with these policies

MAIN DUTIES:

• Manage and process, under the direction of the responsible SEN Team Leader, statutory casework within legal and internal timelines for a defined geographical area.
• Manage the assessment of children and young people with special educational needs in accordance with the SEN Code of Practice including identifying those requiring need assessments, co-ordinating assessments, writing EHC plans and arranging appropriate provision to meet children’s needs.

• Monitor the progress of children and young people with statements/EHC plans including amending statements/EHC plans in the light of Annual Reviews.  Attending Annual Reviews as appropriate. Supporting and coordinating Transfer reviews of Statements to EHC plans

• Work in partnership with parents and other agencies to meet the needs of children and young people with SEN.

• Promote the successful inclusion of children and young people with SEN.

• Contribute to the development of policy, procedures and provision for children with SEN.

• Participate in the Local Authority’s systems for monitoring and quality assurance for children and young people with SEN.

• Maintain an up to date knowledge relating to SEN casework, including changes to national legislation and departmental policies.

• Maintain and update on a regular basis, the information held on the SEN service files and databases and to retrieve data and produce management information reports as required.

• Participate in the Application and Countywide Moderation and Resourcing Panels when required.

• Prepare and present cases on behalf of the Local Authority for SENDIST.

• Work in liaison with schools, colleges, other agencies, parents and young people to plan and provide suitable post 16 educational provision.

• Work within an equal opportunities and Children’s Rights framework.

• Monitor the work of assistant SEN officers when appropriate.

• Undertake such other duties as may be required from time to time by the Team Leader and senior managers.

* Higher education (degree or equivalent)

* Knowledge of the Code of Practice for SEN and new SEND reforms (Sept 2014), including identification, assessments and provision.

*Experience and regular use of Microsoft Office applications

Tribunal Experience

* SEN in schools and/or LA central administration

* Ability to use own initiative

* Proven ability to work effectively under pressure

* Knowledge of the Code of Practice for SEN, including identification, assessments and provision.

*Good Keyboard skills.

* Proven ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally

* Ability to work effectively as member of a team

* Effective organisational skills

* Ability to prioritise work

* Flexible approach to duties and working hours as necessary

* Proven record of good working relationships with other services.

* Satisfactory enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure(DBS)

* The ability to travel independently to a variety of premises, sometimes at short notice,

Desirable Criteria

* Experience of writing Statements/EHC plans or Statement/ EHC plan contributions

* Experience of tribunal work e.g. preparing case statements/representing LAs

* Budget monitoring or other financial experience

* Proven ability to manage difficult and sensitive issues/ interpersonal situations

* Knowledge of SEN provision in schools

* Qualified Teacher Status

To apply, please send your CV to the email address below or alternatively please call 01235 535858.