SEN Coordinator

Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has a new opportunity for a SEN Coordinator on a 3 months contract with the possibility for further extension.

Main accountabilities:

• Manage and process, under the direction of the responsible SEN Team Manager and EHC Assessment and Review Coordinator for statutory and non-statutory casework within legal and internal timelines for an allocated caseload, including complex cases and those involving appeal hearings and other legal proceedings.
• To be a champion for the use of technology (such as the case management system) to record, track and monitor our ways of working to both manage performance and inform business intelligence.
• Ensure that systems are clearly and consistently updated with all relevant information in a timely manner.
• Ensure that client confidentiality is maintained in line with the client’s policies.
• Monitor and review all cases on a daily basis to ensure that statutory timescales are being met, following up with relevant professionals as to any outstanding advices and to alert and update the SEN Team Manager and/or EHC Assessment and Review Coordinator as to caseload for the team
• Provide support to the EHC Assessment and Review Coordinator on casework issues involving written and oral communication with parents and a range of professionals, including: school staff, Educational Psychologists, Medical Officers, Social Workers and LA Officers. Arrange, attend and minute meetings as required by the SEN Team Manager.
• Ensure that all staff who may be involved in a particular case are kept informed of any developments so that appropriate liaison/joint action may occur.
• To work in conjunction with the SEN Team Manager for compliance with statutory deadlines for a smooth transfer of pupils with EHCPs from primary school to secondary school, infant to junior school and those transferring to Post 16 educational provision.
• Liaise with other authorities on a range of issues including placement of Children Looked After, children and young people moving in or out of the Boroughs with Education, Health and Care Plan. To log and respond to queries for placement in Bi-Borough Mainstream and Special School from other Authorities.
• To be responsible for monitoring Annual Review procedures to ensure that each pupil’s EHCP is reviewed annually.
• Act as first point of contact for a wide range of written and oral queries from internal and external customers in relation to all SEN matters.
• To be responsible for informing the Finance department when EHCPs are finalised or ceased or when there is a change in funding so that funds can be released into or withdrawn from the appropriate school budget.

Requirements:

• Educated to A-level or equivalent work experience in SEN field
• IT literate including using database technology, and Excel and a case management system
• Excellent organisational skills, including the capacity to manage competing demands and meet deadlines within timescales
• Excellent administrative skills including confidence in using Microsoft Office and a case management system
• A good knowledge of the Children & Families Act (2014); SEN Code of Practice 2015 and Education Act 1996 and any subsequent revisions or new legislation is essential; experience of applying it in practice is highly desirable.
• Relevant experience in an educational setting, local authority, or with children and young people in a related field.
• Experience of successfully managing casework or a caseload.
• Good interpersonal skills and experience of supporting shared problem solving with a range of people including children and young people, parents and practitioners.
• A good understanding of the nature and importance of partnership working and managing multiple stakeholders and evidence of good practice in this area.
• Good communication skills and being able to provide clear, concise and effective written and verbal communication.
• Knowledge of the pathways through the education system for children and young people, and a good understanding of Preparation for Adulthood
• Experience of using negotiation and conflict resolution skills successfully.
• Evidence of working cooperatively with key stakeholders so that appropriate decisions are made to meet the SEND needs of children and young people.
• Experience of and the ability to manage change whilst maintaining a motivated workforce and supporting delivery
• The ability to gather, understand and use data to make informed and effective decisions in relevant service areas

If this sounds exciting for you, please apply or contact Pocholo!