SEN Officer

Purpose of the Job This role requires the post holder to support the SEN Team Manager in the efficient and effective delivery of all the statutory functions and duties of the Local Authority with regard to pupils with SEND (aged 0-25) who have or may require an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) The post holder will: Assist in the delivery and monitoring of the EHCP statements ensuring the process is robustly and fairly administered To take a lead in the management of SEND Tribunal Cases and represent the local authority where this is required Support the SEN Team Manager in embedding the arrangements for EHC needs assessments, the production and monitoring the quality of EHC Plans. Promote a person centred approach to identifying needs, outcomes and appropriate specified provision within the EHCP, across all agencies, To assist the SEND Team Manager in developing and embedding new procedures and practices. Support the SEN Team Manager in delivering an ethos of continuous improvement via support and challenge as required. Key Accountabilities To be accountable for and promote equal opportunity, diversity and community cohesion to meet Council, Directorate and Service objectives. All employees have a responsibility not only for their own behaviour, but also for others regarding equality of opportunity. Any incident must be reported. To participate in a Performance Review and Development meeting and undertake a plan of training where necessary. Develop his/her own skills and expertise in a professional manner. In addition to all the responsibilities listed above, all employees must be flexible in their approach and undertake other duties that are commensurate with post holder’s level, wherever they may be, to achieve the objectives of the Directorate. To represent the Council and Directorate in a professional manner meeting the Corporate and Directorate aims. To comply with Directorate and Corporate policies. If appropriate to be responsible for the recruitment and performance management of designated teams and individuals in accordance with Corporate and Directorate aims and management style. To comply with the council’s financial regulation and standing orders To actively promote Dudley’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults at a level appropriate to this role and setting. Employees must comply with health and safety legislation and will be required to comply with the Council’s Health and Safety Policies. All employees must ensure that they take reasonable care of their own health and safety as well as the health and safety of any person that is affected by their actions. To be responsible for adhering to legislative requirements and Council Policies and Procedures including, but not exclusively health & safety, Data Protection and Internet/Email use Specific Accountabilities include: To assist in embedding a person centred approach across agencies both within the Local Authority and with external agencies. To promote close working partnerships with children, families and young people and effect good working relationships with colleagues in education, health and social care, the Voluntary and Community Sector, SENDIASS and Dudley’s Parent Carer Forum. To ensure that existing processes and procedures are reviewed and revised, as needed, to be fit for purpose to support the SEN Reforms. To assist the SEND Team Manager in identifying areas for further development. To Chair SEND Panels as required, including those that deal with assessment and the consideration of SEND Resource Allocation. To take an active role in all aspects of complex case work for pupils undergoing, or who may undergo, a Statutory Assessment and with Statements of Special Educational Needs/ Education Health and Care Plans. To manage a personal case load to include: Writing EHCPs Contributing to panel decisions on provision and placement Attending annual, interim, and transfer reviews Liaising with parents, young people and professionals to ensure that pupils needs are met Appropriately, including those at risk of exclusion. To oversee case resolution and mediation where this is required, and assist the manager in the management of the mediation arrangements. To take a lead in the management of SEND Tribunal Cases and represent the local authority where this is required. To take an overview of the continued development of the Local Offer. Working with the SEN Team Manager and the Business Manager to ensure that all external and internal targets are met and reported upon to DFE as required. To assist in the monitoring and allocation of the funds associated with SEN placement and service delivery as required. To deputise for the SEN Team Manager and undertake any other duties as directed by the Team Manager. To be prepared to support and challenge, individuals and agencies and parents/carers, where necessary to ensure compliance with SEND guidance and legislation. Contributing to the Directorate’s SEND development linking policy to practice. Following and contributing to Child Protection procedures as appropriate. Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post. The applicant will support the promotion of equal opportunities and ensure the implementation of the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy. This is a job description as constituted on this day. It is the practice of the Local Authority to periodically review job descriptions. This procedure will be carried out by the appropriate manager in consultation with the post holder