About the Role:
We are seeking a Senior Appeals Officer to join our dedicated SEND Team at Nottinghamshire County Council.
You will 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.
Contracted Hours – 37 hours per week (Full-Time)
Key Responsibilities:
- Take a lead on preparing the Local Authority (LA) response to SENDisT appeals
- Prepare the LA’s case, identifying relevant legal points, the evidence required to support the legal position, and support for witnesses
- Approach the LA’s defence with a robust and positive attitude, using strength-based practice to resolve issues throughout the appeals process
- Present the LA’s case at hearings, meeting all deadlines and demonstrating a thorough understanding of case-specific issues
- Build a strong professional network across education, health, and care, ensuring colleagues and partners understand their role in the process
- Attend regular triage meetings and take the lead when required, identifying recurring themes, strengths, and areas for development for the LA
- Act as a role model for locality senior practitioners in all aspects of tribunal casework and appeals
- Quality assure your own appeal work and that of colleagues, including involvement in training and ongoing professional development
- Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills, with experience managing and resolving difficult conversations with families, partners, advocates, and legal representatives
- Hold a small complex caseload, including cases potentially linked to judicial reviews and Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) investigations
- Demonstrate the ability to work under pressure, manage complex legal information, and consistently meet deadlines
- Alert the Assessment Manager to any safeguarding concerns and ensure that caseworkers adhere to good practice standards
- Contribute to the financial management of the High Needs Budget by achieving outcomes that support young people and represent responsible use of public funds
Requirements:
- Educated to a level 6 or above qualification in a Children’s Services or Adult related area
- Have detailed working knowledge of the Education, Health & Care statutory assessment process alongside knowledge of Nottinghamshire’s education landscape
- Strong working knowledge and application of the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations 2015 and SEND Code of Practice 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act
- Eligible to work in the UK
Interested?
For more information on this role or to apply, get in touch with our vendor department who will arrange for a specialist consultant to get in contact with you:
0203 906 8670