Assessment & Placement Team Lead (SEND)

Job Description
Grade 8- £47,532-£51,522pa (Plus £5k Market Supplement)

This is an exciting time to be joining Havering's Assessment & Placement Team, whose role within the wider SEND Service is to manage the statutory processes relating to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The team have grown significantly, with a varied range of new roles created which contribute to a strong sense of belonging within the team, support and development for all team members, and many opportunities for career progression.

This role is one of four A&P Team Lead roles, each of which report to the Deputy Team Manager of the Assessment and Placement Team and deputise in decision making matters, performance management and other duties of the Deputy Team Manager as required. The role will involve working closely with families and service providers and acting as an expert operational lead within the processes of the Education, Health and Care assessment, proposed and substantive, ongoing processes of a live Plan, working within the SEND Code of Practice, 2015, The Children and Families Act, 2014 and any other relevant legislation. The role will typically manage complex cases jointly with Case Officers, alongside any project work required by the Deputy Team Manager, and may at times hold a small complex caseload themselves. The role will involve the development of processes, policies and use of systems to allow for the delivery of a seamless service in terms of attaining statutory deadlines, maintaining financial awareness and high quality communication with all stakeholders. The post holder will typically have line management for up to six Case Officers alongside areas of specific responsibility (e.g., vulnerable groups, Phased Transfer), ensuring a balance between the number of direct reports and other responsibilities, but if the line management responsibilities exceed this number then project work will be reduced where possible.SEND Case Officers work closely with parents/carers, schools and settings, education, health and social care professionals, and occasionally children and young people. They play a vital role in promoting positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND, ensuring that their needs are clearly understood, that the right support is in place, and that their voices are heard.

We are seeking applications from candidates with strong experience of work as an SEND Case Officer or role requiring equivalent excellent knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice. Candidates must have a passion for supporting vulnerable children and young people, who have knowledge of the education system, and who have strong written and oral communications skills and who are highly organised. Further information about the knowledge, experience and skills we are looking for can be found in the Job Profile, along with the key duties and responsibilities of A&P Team Leads.

As well as the chance to support positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND, becoming a part of Havering's SEND and Alternative Provision Service will offer:

• The chance to be part of a friendly, supportive team of more than twenty people, working closely with the rest of the 100-strong service
• An excellent induction package
• Dedicated business support
• Regular supervision
• Protected Continuing Professional Development time, including as part of Havering's '10 Days of Learning'
• An excellent balance between home/flexible working arrangements and time together as a team to create, collaborate and develop a sense of belonging
• Easily accessible workspaces
• Excellent transport links to inner and outer London including via the Elizabeth Line, as well as to Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas
• High quality IT equipment and responsive IT support

The service has scope to make multiple appointments for the right candidates there is flexibility on start dates.

An enhanced DBS check is required for this post.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 14/9/25 however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date week commencing 22/9/25.

Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Helpdesk on 01708 432770

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering .

The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

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