Senior Appeals Officer

Job Purpose

To take the lead on SENDisT tribunals on behalf of the Local Authority (LA), preparing the LA defence, training senior practitioners and deputising for the Team Manager with responsibility for appeals

Key Responsibilities

1. Take a lead on preparing the Local Authority (LA) response to SENDisT appeals
2. Prepare the LAs case, identifying relevant legal points, the evidence required to support our legal position and support for witnesses
3. To have a robust and positive approach to preparing the LAs defence utilising strength based practice to problem solve issues throughout appeals
4. Present the LAs case at hearings, having met all deadlines throughout the appeal process and have a thorough understanding of the issues relevant to individual cases
5. Build a strong professional network of colleagues and partners within education, health and care ensuring colleagues and partners are well informed throughout and have a firm understanding of their role within the process.
6. Attend regular triage meetings, taking the lead as and when required including identifying recurring themes, areas of strength and development for the LA
7. Act as a role model to locality senior practitioners with regards all aspects of tribunal casework and appeals.
8. Quality assure your own appeal work and that of colleagues which may include training and continued professional development
9. Demonstrate strong communication skills both orally and written, with experience of leading and resolving difficult conversations with families, partners, advocates and legal representatives
10. Hold a small complex caseload which may include cases linked to judicial reviews and LGSCO
11. Demonstrate the ability to work under pressure, meeting deadlines whilst managing complex legal information
12. Alert the Assessment Manager to any safeguarding concerns and ensure that case workers are compliant with good practise.
13. To contribute to the financial management of the schools High Needs Budget through securing positive outcomes for young people that also reflects the best use of the public purse

Key Accountabilities

1. Specified service targets within agreed resources.
2. Effective supervision of staff to secure high levels of performance.
3. Effective control of resource allocation.
4. Alert the Team Manager of issues that could affect performance.
5. To ensure that processes are carried out within statutory timelines and guidance.
6. Responsibility for the quality of work undertaken by ICDS Caseworkers.
7. To ensure that changes in legislation are interpreted and implemented effectively into policy and practice within Nottinghamshire.
8. To ensure continuity of service in the absence of the Assessment Manager