Assistant SEN Case Officer

SOUTHEND ON SEA BOROUGH COUNCIL DEPARTMENT OF PEOPLE JOB PROFILE JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Assistant EHC Coordinator Reports To: SEN Assessment, Casework or PFA Team Manager Level: 6 Main Purpose of the Job: To provide support to the statutory EHC needs assessment and review process and to contribute to the delivery of statutory processes to the required timescales. To ensure all requests for EHC assessment and/or EHC annual reviews are logged and responded to within the required timeframes. To participate in the initial triage of requests for assessment or annual reviews reports ensuring the relevant documentation is available to support following stages of the process. To process annual reviews where no changes are required in an efficient and effective manner complying with the relevant statutory timeframes. To be responsible for an area of new EHC assessment and/or EHC review activity ensuring that database systems are updated accordingly and timelines started, taking responsibility for the services performance in relation to 6-week assessment decisions or 4-week annual review timeliness. To support the EHC Coordinators/Managers for a defined area of work in relation to EHC Assessment and/or review ensuring cases are put to appropriate panels for decisions in a timely manner. To provide effective and timely response to incoming communications through the main SEN front door processes dealing with queries around case activity and annual review documentation ensuring appropriate storage and timely communication to the case holder. To implement quality and operational standards and to work to provide a timely and efficient service for CYP and their families. To support the request processes around non-statutory funding. To support and collate information relating to complaints, subject access requests and LGO investigations as requested by senior leadership. Key Responsibilities To undertake all processes relating to the initiation of EHC Needs Assessments for CYP with special educational needs. To deliver the first phase of the EHC needs assessment process to the required timescales in conjunction with the allocated EHC coordinators. To establish positive and effective initial working relationships with families at the start of the assessment process; ensuring effective communication and support as appropriate to guide them through the process. To work in partnership with colleagues across Education, Health and Social Care to ensure joint awareness of ongoing assessments and new EHC requests. To request information from all relevant parties in response to an EHC Needs Assessment request, ensuring that the LA has sufficient information to make an informed decision within the statutory timescale. To collate all information received ensuring it is relevant and available for the EHC coordinator to present to the EHC multiagency panel. To contribute and support the communication of decisions to families in collaboration with the EHC coordinator. To facilitate the coordination and arranging of co-production meetings in collaboration with the EHC coordinator. To facilitate pupils moving into and out of the borough ensuring the effective transfer/or receipt or relevant documentation to support decision making. To ensure that databases and systems are updated accurately and consistently to support: Operational standards and performance indicators Allocation of funds and budgets for placements and liaise with the finance officer as required. Placement arrangements Contact details of families School information To keep timely, clear and concise records and complete all relevant administrative tasks on allocated cases. To ensure effective checking of all correspondence and records to align with GDPR guidelines. To respond in a timely manner to all communications, in line with the councils policy. To engage in effective casework and administrative tasks, to ensure all records are accurate and kept up to date to support the preparation of papers for SEND tribunals or judicial reviews. To build effective professional working relationships with all partners. To participate in training, team meetings and performance management. To ensure that all of the Councils policies are adhered to in particular, equalities, safeguarding children and GDPR. To undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required by the Senior Leadership team. Person Specification Qualifications or membership to a Registered Body Good Standard of Secondary Education (A/C) Educated to degree level or equivalent (A/C) Evidence of continuous professional development (A/C) Qualification in SEN casework (BTEC) (A/C) Knowledge / Skills Knowledge and understanding of the SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 and Education Health and Care Plans. Knowledge of SEN systems and processes in schools. Knowledge of the requirements of GDPR. Knowledge and understanding of the wide range of needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs. Skills in analysing data and producing reports. Well organised, able to prioritise and meet deadlines. Able to communicate effectively and professionally with families, headteachers and partner agencies both in writing and verbally. Having empathy with families of pupils with Special Educational Needs. Able to work independently and as part of a team. Understanding of and adhere to confidentiality policy and be able to deal with issues sensitively and professionally. Proficient ICT skills. Experience At least 2 year’s experience of the administrative processes relating to the assessment of pupils with special educational needs. Experience of using SEN case management systems and the application to SEN. Successful experience of building effective working professional relationships with families and children with SEN. Experience of dealing with conflict and negotiating positive outcomes. Experience of working with a large caseload and prioritising own workload. Values and behaviours Focus on customer service and delivering to quality standards. Adaptable and able to respond to change. Manages pressure well and copes with a large caseload. Able to solve problems with innovation and creativity. Thinks analytically and makes rational and sound judgements. Plans ahead and works in a systematic and accurate way. Open to new ideas and seeks out learning opportunities. Committed to meeting high performance standards. Commitment to Equalities and to promoting the wellbeing of children at all times. Able to travel independently across the Borough. Willingness to attend meetings outside normal working hours if necessary and if that best meets the needs of families. A = Application form C = Certificates I = interview R = References #J-18808-Ljbffr