SEND Complaints and Tribunal Officer

Client

Local Authority in Ealing

Job Title

SEND Complaints and Tribunal Officer

Pay Rate

23.73 an hour PAYE/30.87 an hour UMBRELLA

Hours

35 hours Mon to Fri (09:00:AM - 05:00:PM)

Duration

Initial 3 Month Contract

Location

Mainly Office based, 4-5 days a week in office-Perceval House,Uxbridge Road,Ealing.

Description

• To represent the Local Authority at the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal and defend appropriateness of the proposed service provision for an individual child.
• To provide key leadership in case management of SEN appeal related cases to ensure that the Council discharges its responsibilities effectively in relation to statutory appeals to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST).
• To develop practice across the SEND Assessment and Monitoring Team to reduce the Local Authority's exposure to risk of appeals to Tribunals, complaints, litigation and judicial review/complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman.
• To coordinate and draft responses to complaints, mediation, LGO enquiries and SAR requests

• To work directly with parents, schools, parental appointed legal representatives and other professional bodies within the statutory and legal framework related to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal process.
• To take the lead on complex casework, providing effective mediation, drawing on strong negotiation and influencing skills across a range of complex SEN issues between parents, schools and multi-disciplinary practitioners.
• • To provide support and coaching to the SEND Assessment and Monitoring Team in the resolution of complex casework, ensuring that EHCP Coordinators and EHCP Officers build strategic links with schools, education provider services and other agencies to deliver positive outcomes for children and to limit the Local Authority's exposure to risk of appeals to Tribunals.
  • To be a source of expert advice to the Council and SEN officers on all aspects of the SENDIST.
  • To ensure all documentation linked to SEN appeals is distributed appropriately and within specified time restraints.
  • To coordinate allocation and attendance processes linked to mediation and resolution of all disputes relating to the SEND tribunal process.
  • To attend resolution meetings (Mediation) with parents and other professionals in an attempt to settle disputed issues without the need for formal legal redress wherever possible. This will include responsibility for negotiating changes to the EHC plans using tact and diplomacy through working with families experiencing emotional turmoil.

1. In depth knowledge and understanding of current SEN legislation and reform, statutory procedures and processes governing the provision of services for children with special educational needs.
2. Extensive knowledge and understanding of the impact of SEND on childrens educational, health and social care outcomes.
3. Thorough knowledge of the services and agencies which may be involved in EHC assessments and EHC Plan delivery.

1. GCSE English Qualifications, including English and Maths (grade 4 or C and above).
2. Previous SEND case management experience, including significant experience of managing a high case load of complex cases.
3. Experience of communicating with children and their families and professionals concerning complex issues.

Desirable

• Significant experience of Appeals and Tribunals processes and guidance.
• Significant experience of successfully managing conflict and disputes in difficult situations.
• Extensive experience of multi-agency working and working alongside a range of stakeholders to drive multi-disciplinary strategic change.

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