SEND Statutory Performance and Tribunals Officer

Thurrock Council is seeking a significantly experienced and highly motivated SEND Statutory Performance and Tribunals Officer to lead and coordinate the Council's response to SEND mediation, disagreement resolution and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal appeals.

The successful candidate will represent the Local Authority at mediation meetings and Tribunal hearings, working closely with families, schools, health partners, social care colleagues, legal services and independent advisers to secure lawful, child-centred and evidence-based outcomes.

The role also supports the management of complaints, Local Government Ombudsman investigations, Freedom of Information requests and Subject Access Requests.

This is a key role within Children's Services and offers an excellent opportunity to influence service improvement, strengthen relationships with families and support statutory compliance across the SEND system.

As a SEND Statutory Performance and Tribunals Officer, you will be responsible for:

• Managing a caseload of complex SEND appeals from receipt through to conclusion, prepare Tribunal responses and legal submissions, represent the Local Authority at hearings and mediation meetings, and provide expert advice and guidance to colleagues and partner agencies.
• You will also play a central role in analysing mediation and Tribunal trends, identifying opportunities for service improvement, supporting quality assurance activity and contributing to improved outcomes for children and young people with SEN
• Significant experience of working within SEND, education, legal services, mediation, complaints or a related statutory environment.
• Detailed knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations 2014, SEND Code of Practice, SEND Tribunal procedures and relevant case law.
• Experience of managing complex casework and meeting statutory deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing reports, formal responses, Tribunal documentation and legal submissions.
• The ability to analyse complex information, assess risk and develop sound recommendations.
• Experience of working collaboratively with families, schools, legal representatives and multi-agency professionals to resolve disputes and secure positive outcomes.
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Experience of analysing performance information and using intelligence to drive service improvement.
• The ability to provide professional advice, guidance and training to colleagues and partners.
• A commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Essential Qualifications:

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in SEND, education, law, public administration, children's services or a related field, together with evidence of continuing professional development in SEND legislation, mediation, dispute resolution, complaints or Tribunal practice.
• DBS Check: A Basic DBS check is required

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

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