Senior Assessment Review Officer – AR

Job Purpose

To provide senior support within the SEND Assessment and Review Team, ensuring statutory processes are delivered effectively and within legal timescales. The postholder will oversee complex case tracking, support and challenge Assessment and Reviewing Officers, undertake quality assurance activities, and hold a small caseload of complex or high-risk cases requiring senior oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and track EHC needs assessments, annual reviews, reassessments and phase transfers to ensure statutory compliance.
• Identify delays, risks and barriers to progression, taking appropriate action to resolve issues.
• Provide advice, guidance, coaching and support to Assessment and Reviewing Officers on complex cases and SEND legislation.
• Promote accountability within the team by monitoring performance and ensuring cases progress appropriately.
• Undertake quality assurance of EHC Plans, casework and decision-making to ensure compliance and consistency.
• Hold and manage a small caseload of complex, sensitive or high-profile cases, including those involving complaints, mediation or tribunal activity.
• Work collaboratively with families, schools, health and social care professionals to secure positive outcomes for children and young people.
• Support managers with performance monitoring, service improvement and reporting.

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant experience of SEND statutory processes and EHC Plans.
• Strong knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice.
• Experience of managing complex SEND casework.
• Experience of supporting, advising and motivating colleagues.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyse information, make sound decisions and meet deadlines.

Desirable

• Experience of quality assurance, supervision or team leadership.
• Relevant qualification in education, SEND, social care or a related field.

Key Outcome

To ensure statutory SEND processes are delivered to a high standard, that staff are supported and held accountable for performance, and that children and young people with SEND receive timely and effective support.