Job Information
This post is within Northumberland SEND Assessment and Review Team who are responsible for carrying out statutory assessment for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) within the statutory timeframes and reviewing these. We are looking for a professional with some understanding of SEND legislation and an interest in expanding this knowledge to join our team and play a vital role in managing and responding to appeals to the First-Tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability). The successful candidate will have access to training and join our current Tribunal Officer in:
Managing and responding to appeals lodged against Education, Health, and Care Plan decisions, ensuring compliance with statutory deadlines.
Preparing detailed written responses, case statements, and legal submissions in collaboration with relevant teams.
Representing the local authority at Tribunal hearings, presenting evidence and working with legal representatives where required.
Representing the local authority as a decision maker at mediation meetings with families.
Providing expert advice on SEND legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice.
Liaising with families, schools, and professionals to seek resolution before Tribunal where possible.
Liaising with Legal Service and external legal support for assistance on complex appeals.
Supporting the continuous improvement of SEND services through learning from Tribunal outcomes.
To be successful in this role, you will benefit from having:
A willingness to take part in professional development.
An understanding of the statutory assessment process for an EHCP.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, evidence-based case statements.
Experience working within SEND, education, legal services, or a similar field.
Excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills to resolve disputes effectively.
The ability to work under pressure, manage deadlines, and handle complex caseloads.
Experience of working with families and professionals in a sensitive and constructive manner.
Why choose us?
We have some outstanding benefits to offer you, including:
26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
Flexi scheme (if applicable) – up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part-time employees)
Local government discount schemes available to all employees with offers at local businesses along with various national brands
Commitment to work/life balance offering flexibility through various schemes including job sharing, flexible working, term-time only, and compressed hours
A range of salary sacrifice schemes are available
Staff networks - run by staff, for staff, providing opportunities for peer networking, mutual support, staff development e.g. Apprenticeship, Armed Forces, ASD, Enable (disability), LGBT+, Menopause, Mental Wellbeing, Racial Equality
Further information
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you wish to notify us of your eligibility for this scheme, please email hrrecruitment@northumberland.gov.uk or ring 01670 623930 with your name and the job title you have applied for and one of the recruitment team will ensure this is factored into the shortlisting process and kept anonymous. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.
Alternative application format:
British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net
For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial 018001 01670 623930
Although we advertise on North East Jobs, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications.
