Job Introduction
Job Title: SEND Tribunals Officer
Starting Salary: £38,220 pa + £1,642 pa market enhanced payment*, progressing to £41,771 pa + £2,303 pa market enhanced payment* PLUS £2,00 one‑off welcome payment*
Hours: 37
Location: Based at Stevenage or Hemel Hempstead, with hybrid working and travel across Hertfordshire
Contract type: Permanent
Directorate: Children’s Services
About The Team
The Tribunals Team manages and co‑ordinates the local authority’s response to SEND appeals. The team prepares evidence, liaises with professionals and schools, and represents the local authority at hearings. It also supports service improvement across casework and acts as the administrative hub for Pre‑Action Protocols and Judicial Reviews. Our goal is to create a tribunal service that is accessible, transparent, efficient and fair for everyone. You’ll be an essential part of the team, collaborating with parents, carers, young people, schools and other key stakeholders within the SEND statutory and legal framework. Your input will help shape the future of our service to meet the evolving needs of the SEND community.
About The Role
Are you looking to advance your career and gain valuable experience in legal representation and multi‑agency working? This role offers an excellent opportunity to do just that. With support and training, you’ll be well‑equipped to succeed and contribute to ensuring every child receives the support they need.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Casework: ensure high‑quality casework is carried out for the appeals received, encouraging resolution and reconciliation.
- Representation: represent the Local Authority at the Special Educational Needs and Disability First Tier Tribunal.
- Coordination: use negotiation and influencing skills to work with parents, schools and multi‑disciplinary practitioners to seek resolution to the appeal.
- Development: develop the multi‑agency response to a Tribunal, including creating chronologies, arranging and chairing case planning meetings and other multi‑agency meetings, and preparing and collating evidence to support the Local Authority’s position.
- Policy contribution: contribute to the development of policies, procedures and provisions for children with SEND, staying updated on SEND casework, national legislation changes and departmental policies, and supporting induction, training and support of team members.
- Database management: input and maintain accurate and comprehensive database records as required and participate in the Local Authority’s systems for monitoring and quality assurance for children and young people in appeal.
About You
Essential:
- High level of experience working with families or children in or aligned to SEND, including extensive experience of the statutory EHCP process.
- High level of experience working with both internal and external agencies across the SEND Partnership.
- Good working knowledge of the law governing SEND.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Ability to facilitate dialogue, promoting collaboration and resolving disputes through influence and negotiation.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to work unsupervised, managing multiple cases to tight deadlines.
- Resilience when under pressure while navigating complex issues and challenges.
- Excellent IT skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel across Hertfordshire as required.
Desirable:
- Experience of advocacy and representing at Tribunals or similar.
- Knowledge of relevant case law.
EEO Statement
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
Benefits and Additional Requirements
Disability Confident: We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Safeguarding: This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
Driving required: You’ll need the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car.
English fluency: The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. For those whose language is a signed language, a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required.
A market enhanced payment is a non‑contractual payment. The one‑off welcome payment is only for external candidates.
Job role within Health and Social Care Services, level HSC10 job profile.
Contact Vanessa Croxford (Vanessa.Croxford@hertfordshire.gov.uk) for an informal discussion about the role.
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