Senior SEN Officer

Job Summary

We’ve transformed the way we help our communities to get the best outcomes possible for every child and family we work with. As part of this, we continue to invest in Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND), with the growth of our four sub‑teams within the EHCP Casework Team:
Assessment Team, Early Years and Primary Team, Secondary and Post‑16 Team and Tribunals, Resolutions and Compliance Team. Due to our continued investment in SEND, we are looking for experienced Senior Officers to join our Tribunals, Resolutions and Compliance Team.

• Lead and manage allocated SENDIST tribunal cases.
• Ensure all legal deadlines are met and case preparation complies with Tribunal rules.
• Lead and attend Way Forward, Mediation, and pre‑Tribunal meetings as required.
• Represent the Local Authority at SEND Tribunal Hearings when necessary.
• Provide professional advice, challenge and support to Headteachers, SENCOs, Governing Bodies and Academy Trusts.
• Deliver training where required to ensure compliance with legislation such as the SEND Code of Practice and the Disability Discrimination Act.
• Work collaboratively with schools and partner agencies to meet statutory timescales.
• Maintain effective communication with statutory and voluntary sector partners.
• Attend multi‑agency planning meetings and child protection case conferences as required.
• Remain up to date with changes in legislation, policies, procedures and statutory guidance.
• Ensure relevant updates are communicated effectively to staff.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and Tribunal processes.
• Proven experience managing SENDIST cases.
• Confident in representing a Local Authority at Tribunal hearings.
• Excellent communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills.

• Always learning, confident and skilled in SEND casework with an excellent knowledge of SENDIST Appeals, the SEND Code of Practice and relevant legislation.
• Kind and caring, child and young‑people focused, with good written and verbal skills.
• Willing to take responsibility and problem‑solve, dealing with complex casework and liaising with families and key agencies to ensure best provision and outcomes for our children and young people.
• Driven to do it differently to embark on a journey of continuous improvement in SEND.
• Advocating for equality and integrity in all you do, establishing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with our families.
• Experienced in attending and effectively managing SENDIST Appeals.

• Competitive salary (£54,495 to £57,864 a year)
• Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays)
• A comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Flexible working
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24×7
• Range of family‑friendly policies
• Childcare vouchers, cycle‑to‑work scheme, electric car scheme, and a range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health and leisure activities
• Excellent learning and development opportunities

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background or maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

As a Disability‑Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

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