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EHCP Assessment Officer

Oxfordshire County Council

Up to £250 per day

Are you a highly organised, empathetic, and detail-oriented professional with a passion for ensuring the best outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN)? Oxfordshire County Council is seeking a dedicated EHCP Officer to join our dynamic team, playing a crucial role in managing the EHC Needs Assessment process.

About the Role:

As an EHCP Officer, you will be instrumental in navigating families through the Education, Health, and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) process, from initial assessment to the production and review of comprehensive Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans. This challenging and rewarding role requires a meticulous approach, excellent communication skills, and a steadfast commitment to working collaboratively with children, young people, their families, and a wide range of professionals across all age ranges and phases of education.

Key Responsibilities:

* Manage the EHC Needs Assessment (EHCNA) process from initiation to the issue of the final plan, ensuring adherence to statutory timescales and producing high-quality Education, Health, and Care plans.

* Work collaboratively and co-operatively with children, young people, and their parents or carers throughout the EHCNA process, ensuring families are actively involved and informed, and that the child or young person is central to all decisions.

* Develop and secure the highest standards of achievement and inclusion for children and young people with SEN, operating within the policy and budget framework of the Council.

* Write comprehensive EHC plans based on information gathered during assessments, working in partnership with wider professional agencies to ensure outcomes are identified and delivered.

* Robustly maintain Local Authority databases, ensuring all records are kept accurate and up-to-date to ensure a high level of data quality.

* Contribute to decision-making processes for each case, based on evidence, including preparing and presenting information to decision-making panels.

* Be accountable for the content and quality of the Post Assessment Summary, Draft, and Final EHC plan.

* Initiate, organise, and represent the Local Authority at meetings in relation to the EHCNA process, including crucial co-production meetings.

* Maintain positive and effective relationships with education settings, health and social care partners, ensuring effective collaboration with all key stakeholders and professionals linked to the child and family’s needs.

* Expertly explain how to navigate the Local Offer website and locate relevant information to families/carers of children and young people and schools.

* Ensure a comprehensive handover between the EHC Assessment Officer and EHC Casework Officer or Tribunal Officer, guaranteeing a seamless experience for families, children, and young people as they move through the service.

* Participate in the Local Authority’s processes for monitoring and quality assurance.

* Maintain an up-to-date knowledge relating to SEN casework, including changes to national legislation and departmental policies.

* Travel across the county in a timely, flexible, and efficient manner when required for meetings or other duties.

About You:

* Proven experience in managing EHC Needs Assessments and producing EHC plans, ideally within a Local Authority setting.

* Thorough understanding of the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and relevant legislation.

* Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to manage a demanding caseload and adhere to strict statutory timescales.

* Strong written communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, concise, and legally compliant documents.

* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage sensitively and effectively with children, young people, parents/carers, and a range of professionals.

* A child-centred approach, demonstrating empathy and a commitment to co-production.

* Proficiency in maintaining accurate digital records and databases.

* Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills.

* Commitment to continuous professional development in the field of SEND.

* A valid UK driving licence and access to a car for business use is essential.

What We Offer:

* A competitive daily rate of up to £250 per day.

* The opportunity to work in a supportive and dedicated team committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

* A chance to contribute to the strategic development of SEND services in Oxfordshire.

* Access to professional development and training opportunities.

* The satisfaction of making a significant difference in the lives of children, young people, and their families