Tribunal Officer

Job Title: SEND Tribunals Officer
Starting Salary: £38,220 progressing to £41,771 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Based at Stevenage or Hemel Hempstead, with hybrid working and travel across Hertfordshire
Contract Type: Permanent
Childrens Services
We are recruiting 3x Tribunals Officers.
The Tribunals Team manages and co-ordinates the local authority's response to SEND appeals. The team prepares evidence, liaises with professionals and schools, and represents the local authority at hearings. The team also supports service improvement across casework and supports the legal and SEND teams as the administrative hub for Pre-Action Protocols and Judicial Reviews.
You’ll be an essential part of our team, collaborating with parents, carers, young people, schools and other key stakeholders within the SEND statutory and legal framework. You'll join a well-established team, who are always seeking new ways to innovate and improve, and your input will be crucial in shaping the future of our service to meet the evolving needs of our SEND community.
Are you looking to advance your career and gain valuable experience in legal representation and multi-agency working? With support and training, you'll be well-equipped to succeed and contribute to ensuring every child receives the support they need.
Casework: You will ensure high-quality casework is carried out in relation to the cases held, encouraging resolution and reconciliation for appeals received from the Tribunal.
Representation: You will represent the Local Authority at the Special Educational Needs and Disability First Tier Tribunal.
Development: You will develop the multi-agency response to a Tribunal, including creating chronologies, arranging and chairing case planning meetings and other multi-agency meetings, and preparing and collating evidence to support the Local Authority’s position.
Policy Contribution: You will contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and provisions for children with SEND. This includes staying updated on SEND casework, national legislation changes, and departmental policies, as well as supporting the induction, training, and support of team members.
Database Management: You will input and maintain accurate and comprehensive database records as required and participate in the Local Authority’s systems for monitoring and quality assurance for children and young people in appeal.
A high level of experience working with families or children in or aligned to SEND with extensive experience of the statutory EHCP process
Ability and willingness to travel across Hertfordshire for meetings as needed.
Please apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.
Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.
English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.