Special Educational Needs And Disabilities (Send) Officer (Senior Interim)

SEND Officer (0–25)

Recruiting on behalf of a local authority 

We are currently recruiting for an experienced SEND Officer (0–25) to join a dedicated SEND service supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled professional who is passionate about removing barriers to learning, promoting positive outcomes and helping children and young people prepare successfully for adulthood.

As a SEND Officer, you will work directly with children, young people and their families, as well as schools, colleges, settings and partner agencies, to identify needs and ensure appropriate support is put in place.

You will undertake assessments, contribute to multi-agency planning and provide high-quality, person-centred support. A key part of the role will involve preparing and writing Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, ensuring they are outcome-focused and reflect the needs, aspirations and views of the child or young person and their family.

You will also:

• Work collaboratively with schools, colleges and other settings to identify SEND and determine how needs can be met.
• Undertake assessments of need, including EHC needs assessments.
• Participate in multi-agency meetings and act as lead professional where required.
• Advocate and negotiate on behalf of children and young people.
• Support families to access appropriate services, activities and funding.
• Provide information, advice, guidance and intensive support to children and young people.
• Help young people plan for the future and prepare for adulthood.
• Liaise with Education, Health, Social Care and other partner agencies.
• Make and receive referrals where appropriate.
• Assist with the preparation, presentation and defence of tribunals.
• Maintain accurate records in line with required procedures and standards.
• Work in accordance with safeguarding policies and procedures.

We are looking for someone with significant experience of working with children and young people aged 0–25, both individually and in groups, across a variety of settings.

You will have experience of:

• Developing effective relationships with young people, parents, carers and partner agencies.
• Identifying and assessing the needs of children and young people.
• Providing information, advice and guidance in different settings.
• Representing an organisation within multi-agency forums.
• Working collaboratively across professional boundaries.

You will also need strong advocacy, negotiation, assessment, planning and review skills, alongside the ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload.

A good understanding of the barriers faced by children and young people and strategies for removing those barriers is essential. Knowledge of safeguarding procedures, education and training opportunities for 0–25-year-olds, funding opportunities and integrated support services is also required.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective partnerships are essential.

• Significant experience working with young people aged 0–25.
• Experience of undertaking relevant assessments and identifying needs.
• Experience working within multi-agency environments.
• Strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures.
• Ability to assess, prioritise, plan and review.
• Ability to manage workload effectively.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Good IT skills, including experience with databases.
• NVQ Level 4 or equivalent qualification in an area relevant to the role.

At We Do Social Work Recruitment, we connect talented professionals with rewarding opportunities where they can make a genuine difference to children, young people and families.

If you are an experienced SEND professional looking for your next opportunity, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today through We Do Social Work Recruitment.