Job Description

Purpose of the post:

To ensure that the Council fulfils its statutory responsibilities as a Local Authority as they relate to the Children and Families Act 2014 and associated regulations

To manage the EHC process, special provision and placements funded through the High Needs block

To work in partnership with parents/carers, young people, education, health and care services, commissioners and information services in the integrated and joint delivery of statutory SEND processes and SEND provision, duties and services for special educational needs and through efficient delivery systems and processesMain duties and responsibilities:

Deliver outstanding service

To organise and manage SEND operations on behalf of the Council

To have oversight of the current and projected provision requirements for children and young people with SEND

To implement systems and processes that promote person centred planning keeping the views and wishes of the child and young person central, upholding the principles of the Children and Families Act 2014 and associated regulations and statutory guidance

To minimise anxiety for parents/carers of children and young people through excellent, timely and transparent clear communication about statutory processes

Increase service quality and performance

To ensure that EHC Needs Assessments are completed on time and that EHC Plans are of good to outstanding quality

To work with the Head of SEND to ensure that children and young people with SEND make good progress towards outcomes

To ensure that all children and young people have an appropriate school placement that meets their specific need as outlined in their EHC Plans

To be responsible for the timely completion of Complaints, Members Enquiries, information requests and statutory data returns

Identify opportunities for personal and professional development

To undertake professional development in support of priorities identified during appraisal sessions

To ensure that all members of the team are trained to a level that enables them to carry out their duties efficiently and effectively

Make best use of resources

To contribute to Hackney Council’s approach to the equitable distribution of resources and funding for children and young people with SEND within the resources available

To ensure that there is effective and efficient management of the service budget in line with Hackney Council protocols.

Develop strong relationships across teams and with partners

To work in partnership with key services across Education, Health and Care

To represent the Council at Pan London Groups and national events

Reflect best practice and ensure compliance

Provide specialist support and expert advice to the team and other professionals across the integrated SEND Service to ensure effective decision making for complex cases

Take a lead role in advising on the resolution of complex casework, including advice to the local authority for SEN and Disability Tribunals

To undertake additional or other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post and as directed and deemed appropriate by the Line ManagerGeneral requirements:

To ensure the wellbeing of the team by monitoring and responding to feedback and make management decisions in the interest of the service delivery

Proven interpersonal skills in order to maintain effective relationships with staff, colleagues and the wider partnership across services for children and young people with SEND

The post holder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities with due regard to our policy, organisation and arrangements for Health and Safety at Work.

It is your responsibility to carry out your duties in line with our policy on Equality and Cohesion and be sensitive and caring to the needs of others, promoting a positive approach to a harmonious working environment.

You must promote and safeguard the welfare of children, young and vulnerable people that you are responsible for or come into contact with