Location
Romford, London Borough of Havering

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Grade 8 - £47,532 to £51,522 per annum (Plus £5,000 Market Supplement)

About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join Havering's Assessment & Placement Team within the wider SEND Service, managing statutory processes related to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The team has expanded significantly, offering a supportive environment with strong career progression opportunities. As one of four Assessment & Placement Team Leads, you will report to the Deputy Team Manager and deputise in decision making, performance management, and other duties as required.

The role involves working closely with families and service providers, acting as an expert operational lead within the Education, Health and Care assessment processes, including proposed, substantive, and ongoing live Plans. You will work within the SEND Code of Practice (2015), The Children and Families Act (2014), and other relevant legislation.

You will typically manage complex cases jointly with Case Officers, undertake project work assigned by the Deputy Team Manager, and may hold a small complex caseload. Responsibilities include developing processes, policies, and system use to ensure seamless service delivery, meeting statutory deadlines, maintaining financial awareness, and ensuring high-quality communication with all stakeholders.

The post holder will usually line manage up to six Case Officers and hold specific responsibilities such as vulnerable groups or Phased Transfer. Where line management exceeds this number, project work will be adjusted accordingly.

Assessment & Placement Case Officers work closely with parents/carers, schools, education, health and social care professionals, and occasionally children and young people, promoting positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND by ensuring their needs are understood, support is in place, and their voices are heard.

Joining Havering's SEND and Alternative Provision Service offers:
- A friendly, supportive team of over twenty people within a 100-strong service
- An excellent induction package
- Dedicated business support and regular supervision
- Protected Continuing Professional Development time, including Havering's '10 Days of Learning'
- A balanced approach to home/flexible working and team collaboration
- Easily accessible workspaces with excellent transport links including the Elizabeth Line
- High quality IT equipment and responsive IT support

The service has scope for multiple appointments and flexibility on start dates. An enhanced DBS check is required for this post.

Experience
Strong experience as an SEND Case Officer or in a role requiring equivalent excellent knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.

About you
A passion for supporting vulnerable children and young people with SEND.
Strong knowledge of the education system.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Highly organised with the ability to manage complex cases and multiple responsibilities.
Ability to work collaboratively with families, schools, and professionals.
Committed to promoting positive outcomes for children and young people.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications and knowledge as outlined in the Job Profile.
Enhanced DBS check required.