Overview
In SENSAP we take a forward-thinking, innovative approach to our statutory duty, which is to delegate high needs funding, support inclusive SEND practice in education settings and manage education, health and care assessments and plans. We fully engage children, young people and families in key decision making to help them understand their options and we work together to find the educational placement that best meets an individual's needs. As a SEN Resolution Officer, you will represent the service and develop practice across the Special Educational Needs Statutory Assessment and Provision (SENSAP) Team to reduce the Local Authority's exposure to risk of appeals to tribunals, complaints, litigation and judicial review/complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman. You will investigate and respond to Complaints across SENSAP, including liaison with the Directorate's Central Customer Relations Team, to ensure speedy resolution of all complaints. You will also contribute to embedding a culture of customer services, including the delivery of training and development sessions, across SENSAP.
Responsibilities
* To represent the service and develop practice across the Special Educational Needs Statutory Assessment and Provision (SENSAP) Team to reduce the Local Authority's exposure to risk of appeals to Tribunals, complaints, litigation and judicial review/complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman.
* To prepare and co-ordinate complaint responses across SENSAP, including liaison with the Directorate's Central Customer Relations Team, to ensure speedy resolution of all complaints.
* To support the embedding a culture of customer services, including the delivery of training and development sessions, across SENSAP.
* Prepare responses to Stage 1 and 2 complaints, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) investigations and other complex queries, as well as corresponding and meeting with the LGSCO where required.
* Prepare responses to Members of Parliament, elected members and legal counsel where required.
* Provide reports and case statements in the use of formal and informal disagreement resolution processes.
* Support colleagues in the preparation of responses to First-Tier Tribunal such as coproducing working documents with families and key stakeholders, formal complaints, leadership or member enquiries and other situations where parents/carers may be taking legal action against the authority.
* Attend mediation meetings prior to appeals going to SENDIST.
* Organise and chair restorative conciliation meetings in order to de-escalate complaints and appeals i.e. mediation and tribunal.
* Work restoratively with key stakeholders including direct engagement with school and systems leaders.
* Make appropriate, independent judgements about complex cases in relation to children and young people with SEND, and look for and discuss solutions with staff, families and young people.
* Attend key strategic meetings across the city that may impact on children and young people in relation to complaints and the LGSCO.
* Provide training and present information for individuals and groups of stakeholders, such as SENCos, parents/carers and other services, where required.
* Provide advice and reports for Children and Families Service leadership team where required.
* Maintain highest personal standards through participating in continuing professional development.
* Undertake reviews of your performance against set outcomes.
* Maintain effective relationships with staff at all levels within Children’s Services, other Council Directorates, Elected Members, external agencies and the general public.
* To manage relevant staff members within the team and to respond flexibly to the changing shape of the service.
* Apply Council Values and abide by all relevant policies and procedures in particular those relating to Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, and Health & Safety.
* The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
* Support overall improvement of the quality of EHC plans through complaints feedback, ensuring compliance with locally agreed quality assurance protocols.
* Work flexibly within the service to provide support where it is needed in line with key priorities and pressures such as preparing and amending EHC plans. Carry out duties having regard to an employee's responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing.
* Participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up-to-date knowledge and skills.
* Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding equality & diversity of Leeds City Council.
* Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
* Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
* The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
Qualifications and Requirements
* In-depth knowledge and understanding of current SEN legislation and reform, statutory procedures and processes governing the provision of services for children with special educational needs.
* Previous SEND case management experience, including significant experience of managing a high case load of complex cases.
* Experience of complaint handling and resolution, and successfully managing conflict and disputes in difficult situations.
* Extensive knowledge and understanding of the impact of SEND on children and young people\'s educational, health and social care outcomes.
* This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
* Relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification such as social work, youth work, education welfare or teaching/careers or equivalent skills knowledge in a similar post.
Essential requirements
* Able to analyse and interpret multi-agency professional reports, and summarise and consolidate these in a logical clear and concise way.
* Able to make judgements about children and young people\'s SEND and the provision required to meet those needs.
* Able to manage self and resources, to work independently and manage time effectively.
* Able to manage incremental and fundamental change effectively. To respond flexibly to new ideas and promote change as a natural process within the LA and the wider social context.
* Able to work restoratively and to use reflective learning as a means to continually improve practice and knowledge.
* Able to deliver sensitive messages in a constructive way. Present feedback with sensitivity, honesty and clarity.
* Able to deal effectively with conflict.
* Able to maintain the highest levels of mediation, negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills ensuring professional standards in managing and responding to complex issues are maintained.
* Able to use ICT and technology effectively.
* Able to travel across the city to different schools and homes on a daily basis.
* Basic understanding of SEND Code of Practice 2015 and associated legislation.
* Up to date knowledge of Preparing For Adulthood agenda.
Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics
* Resilience, self-confidence and the ability to reflect on practice.
* Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
* Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
* Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures. Able to deliver high quality, engaging training/development sessions for a range of audiences.
* Knowledge of the legislation applying to SEND. In particular, the Children and Families Act 2014 and associated legislation.
* Working knowledge of other wider legislation relating to education of children and young people with SEND e.g. exclusions, attendance and admissions.
* Knowledge and understanding of statutory SEND systems, processes and protocols.
* Relevant experience in similar post.
* Relevant experience in an educational establishment (school, alternative provision, training provider, etc.).
* Relevant experience in non-educational settings or through qualifications e.g. counselling, conflict resolution, project management.
Benefits and Additional Information
* Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
* a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
* membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
* flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
* a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
* a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
* If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
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