SEND Assessment Officer

We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. However, we value human talent and are looking for passionate individuals to join our organisation. Please ensure you personally complete your application and read all the instructions carefully to maximise your chances of success., This is a great time to join the SEND Assessment Service in Bolton as we are expanding our team to include a number of newly established roles. We currently have vacancies across both our Post 16 hub and Early Years-School Age hub and applicants will have the opportunity at interview to discuss area of interest. We know change is coming through the white paper and we are excited for the opportunities that this will bring. We want the right workforce in place to drive forward change.

We are proud to say that children and young people with SEND in Bolton typically have positive experiences and outcomes (Local Area SEND Inspection June 2024).

The SEND Assessment Service is a busy team committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEND). You will be central in supporting the SEND Assessment Service to meet its statutory duties through co-ordinating Education, Health and Care (EHC) Assessments and issuing EHC Plans in accordance with the Children and Families Act 2014, the SEND Regulations 2014 and subsequent legislation as well as responding to Annual Reviews. You will also have responsibility for any associated casework.

In Bolton we pride ourselves on our relationships. You will build links with families, settings, and other partner agencies across education, health and care to deliver the best possible outcomes for children and young people and to help all stakeholders navigate the statutory assessment process.

We know sometimes families don't agree with decision making and you will have a key role in working with families through mediation and dispute resolution to resolve issues. You will also support the LA in relation to its statutory duties regarding the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST).

You will have a good understanding of the SEND framework as well as services across Education, Health and Social Care. You will foster positive relationships with families and partner agencies, managing or providing support for specific children or young people on your caseload. You will be required to work in a person-centred way supporting families and professionals through the Education Health and Care Needs Assessment process. You will have strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities to ensure deadlines are met.

We know that working in SEND can be challenging. You will have resilience and the ability to work to a high standard when under pressure and adhering to statutory deadlines. Excellent organisation and time management skills are vital to this role and you will be experienced in managing competing priorities.

Relationships are at the centre of what we do. You will be able to build positive relationships with both families and professionals and you must be committed to partnership working. Strong communication skills are important., This post is a designated customer facing role under the fluency duty and requires a specified level of spoken English as per the person specification.

This is your opportunity to join us at an exciting time as we have strong ambitions for the borough.

Bolton is a great place to work. We are a welcoming organisation that wants to contribute to a place where people feel active, connected and prosperous. We are passionate about improving the outcomes and experience of Bolton people. We want Bolton to be a vibrant place built on strong cohesive communities, successful businesses and healthy, engaged residents.

As an employer we want to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment, by giving them the opportunity to access a range of exclusive rewards and benefits, including discounts and exclusive gym membership prices and salary sacrifice schemes. In addition, we offer a generous annual leave allowance, flexible work opportunities, access to a Pension Scheme, as well as a range of employee wellbeing and support services.