JOB PURPOSE
The person appointed will assist the Senior Manager with the organisation and administration of the Education Authority's procedures for statutory assessment and review. The post holder will be responsible through the Senior Adviser to the Head of Service for the overall management of an area team's activities including:
* Policy development, implementation and review;
* Managing and developing staff;
* Managing resources;
* Improving and building relationships and partnerships;
* Developing and revising procedures.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Organise, develop systems, procedures, processes and administrate the EA procedures for the formal assessment of pupil's educational needs, in accordance with the requirements of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, Special Educational Needs and Disability Order (NI) 2005, SEND Act 2016, Statutory Regulations, the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs and the supplements to the Code of Practice.
o i. Statutory Assessment Procedure - Assessments and Statements
+ a) Co-ordinate and manage administrative procedures in relation to the statutory assessment of children with special educational needs.
+ b) Liaise with parents, Community Paediatricians, social services personnel, principals, teachers and educational psychologists in relation to assessment and statements.
+ c) Provide verbal and written advice on the statutory assessment procedure and advise parents and voluntary groups as to their rights in relation to the legislation. Develop good working relationships with parents, schools and support groups.
+ d) Ensure appropriate advice is sought in relation to an individual child's assessment.
+ e) Prepare draft statements indicating pupils' special educational needs and the provision and support required to meet such needs.
+ f) Prepare a note in lieu of a statement when a decision not to make a statement is made.
+ g) Take appropriate action including the negotiation and agreement of placement provision of specialist support, equipment, etc.arising from the drafting of a statement.
+ h) Supervise staff and administrative procedures relating to the statutory assessment procedure.
o ii. Statutory Assessment Procedure - Amended Statements
+ a) Analyse professional and other advice in relation to a pupil's special educational needs.
+ b) Negotiate and agree placements for pupils who require amended statements at transfer age, or any other age for whom a change in needs/provision is applicable.
+ c) Prepare amended statements and recommend and oversee that special provision is put in place.
o iii. Statutory Assessment Procedure - Cessations
+ a) Take appropriate action to cease a statement.
o iv. Statutory Assessment Procedure - Annual Reviews
+ a) Co-ordinate and manage the annual review procedure for pupils with statements of special educational needs in the EA area.
+ b) Liaise with parents, principals, educational psychologists, clinical medical officers, social workers, therapists, in relation to the annual review procedure.
+ c) Attend annual review meetings on behalf of the EA as required.
+ d) Take appropriate action as necessary arising from a change in a pupil's needs and the provision required following an annual review.
+ e) Supervise staff and administrative procedures relating to the annual review process.
o v. Statutory Assessment Procedure - Transition Plans
+ a) Liaise with Transitions Co-Ordinator in relation to Transition Plans
2. 2. Team Co-ordination and Management.
o a) Ensure that the team has an awareness of the corporate culture, values and processes.
o b) Delegate responsibilities and deploy staff in accordance with their skills and abilities and the needs of the EA.
o c) Manage the team to perform to their potential; promote their development and give support when required.
o d) Identify the training needs of staff.
o e) Ensure that staff appraisal procedures are implemented for the team in accordance with EA policy and procedures.
o f) Monitor the work of team members, advise and assist as required. Induct new members of staff.
3. 3. Tribunals
o a) Prepare documentation for and represent the EA at tribunal hearings.
o b) Seek a resolution to cases by negotiating with parents, school and other relevant professionals.
o c) Liaise with the Education Authority's solicitors on matters relating to tribunals.
4. 4. Special Education Policy & Provision
o a) Provide advice, guidance, training and support to EA Officers and members, schools, parents and other statutory and voluntary agencies ensuring awareness of trends and developments in special education and management.
o b) Monitor staffing and pupil numbers within special schools and units in designated areas.
o c) Collate information and statistics relating to the development of special education provision.
5. 5. Other Duties
o a) Represent the interests of EA at internal and external meetings.
o b) Represent the EA on a number of forums as required.
o c) Work with colleagues within a multi-disciplinary framework.
o d) Assist the Senior Manager and Head of Statutory Assessment & Review Service to prepare and collate information for the Business Plan, the EA Corporate Plan and the Annual Report.
o e) Advise the Senior Manager on any issues involving substantial impact on the provision of services and young people with special educational needs in the specified area.
o f) Assist the Senior Manager in carrying out all duties connected with that post.
o g) Deputise for the Senior Manager as required.
o h) Such other duties, at the appropriate level, which the EA may from time to time allocate.
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