SEND Deputy Manager

Job overview We are looking for a Deputy SEND Operations Manager to join our SEND Team in Islington. We are responsible for managing the statutory Education, Health and Care needs assessment, review and placement processes. The role is one that will be of interest to experienced Local Authority SEND professionals who have knowledge of, and experience of SEND Casework and management in order to provide guidance and support with complex cases, including tribunal cases. You will need to demonstrate an excellent knowledge and experience of the Local Authority SEND landscape and legislation and along with highly refined interpersonal skills and be a team player who is able to motivate and mentor their staff whilst monitoring key performance indicators. The role requires you to develop and maintain mutually productive relationships with colleagues, partners, agencies and most importantly children, young people and their families. Main duties of the job Managing a small number of young people with complex needs, dispute resolution and mediation processes. This will include managing elements of the client side of appeals to the SEND Tribunal on behalf of the local authority and health partners, in partnership with the Tribunals Officer. Managing the quality assurance of EHCPs to ensure they are specific, compliant and include measurable outcomes. Liaising with the Virtual School to ensure Children Looked After are appropriately placed and achieving the outcomes as specified in the EHCP. Acting as the SEND link to commissioning functions, including social care placements, out of borough and Independent Special School placements. Line managing a small team of between four and six SEN Keyworkers responsible for new assessments, annual reviews and placement searches. Monitoring performance against all statutory timescales, monitoring workload allocation and providing advice and guidance. Providing high quality advice, guidance and support to colleagues in Pupil Services, partner agencies and schools, on the legal framework relating to children and young people with an EHCP or who are under assessment or for whom a request for assessment may be appropriate. Lead on investigating and responding to complaints, councillor enquiries, and other challenges. Ensure that there are appropriate procedures in place to ensure that children and young people with EHC Plans who are being educated out of school / college settings receive the support that they require, including managing the Annual Review process for these children and young people. Represent the SEND team and / or Pupils Services at multi-agency meetings, as required. Providing mentoring, coaching and performance management to keyworkers to help develop their knowledge and experience and ability to manage young people with a complex range of needs. Contribute to Islington’s areas of responsibility in the Change Programme Partnership as part testing and implementation phase of the new SEND and AP Improvement plan. Working for our organisation Islington Council is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful candidates will be required to undertake a Criminal Record Check. Detailed job description and main responsibilities To be a Deputy Manager & Complex Case Lead you will be passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people as well as demonstrating the following skills : Be educated to degree level and / or have appropriate professional qualification / s or experience. Have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of legislation, statutory frameworks and policy affecting services for children, young people and families in relation to SEND. Have significant experience of leading on and resolving complex cases within a Local Authority SEND department, including those in tribunal. Experience of line management and / or caseload management for other staff. Have experience of building and maintaining successful relationships with a range of partners, especially families and schools. Have a high level of determination, personal drive, energy and ambition to achieve challenging targets and improve outcomes. The interview will consist of the following : Unseen presentation. Panel Interview questions Questions by Candidate Person specification Qualifications, Experience and Skills Essential criteria A relevant degree or professional qualification / experience relevant to the post such as social worker, teaching, youth work or other relevant qualification Substantial special educational needs, and / or social work and / or teaching-based management experience Experience of managing a team Demonstrable experience and knowledge of direct working with children and young people with SEND and their familes Extensive experience, knowledge and understanding, of legislation as it relates to the education of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Experience of working with professionals from other agencies and in a multi-agency context including schools and the services that support them Displays an awareness, understanding and commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people and / or vulnerable adults Proven ability to relate to and communicate effectively both orally with a broad cross-section of the community as well as other professionals Ability to grasp and analyse complex issues and to act effectively in relation to them, meet deadlines and manage a complex workload Ability to use IT systems effectively Knowledge of national, corporate, and departmental policies and procedures on confidentiality and the management and sharing of information #J-18808-Ljbffr