SEN Tribunal Officer

SEN Tribunal Officer (SEND Resolution Officer)

We are looking for an experienced SEN Tribunal Officer to lead on tribunal cases and support the resolution of disputes in relation to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on complex SEN casework, focusing on early resolution and mediation.
• Represent the Local Authority at SEND Tribunals, presenting cases and defending service decisions.
• Provide expert advice on all aspects of the SEND Tribunal process to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Work directly with parents, schools, legal representatives, and other professionals to resolve disputes.
• Negotiate with families and professionals to reach agreements and avoid formal legal action where possible.
• Develop and promote best practices across the SEN team to reduce the risk of appeals, complaints, and litigation.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records and ensure all data is properly managed.
• Manage high case volumes effectively, prioritising tribunal and resolution cases.

What We're Looking For:

• Strong knowledge of current SEND legislation and tribunal processes.
• Experience managing complex SEN cases, including direct involvement in tribunals and appeals.
• Excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Confident working with parents, schools, legal representatives, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Strong ICT skills for accurate data recording and case management.
• Relevant qualifications in education, social care, or a related field.
• GCSEs in English and Maths (or equivalent).

Additional Information:

• The role requires flexible working and occasional travel for meetings and tribunal hearings.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, and continuous service improvement is essential.