Job Introduction
The Assessment and Inclusion Team play a pivotal role in providing SEND services to children and young people in Milton Keynes. The team now have a new opportunity for a motivated Assessment Officer to help support their busy team.
The successful candidate’s responsibilities will include managing the assessment process for all pupils they’ve been assigned, ensuring they are completed in a timely and accurate manner and meet the national performance indicators. We are seeking applicants who are flexible, self-motivated and are able to work as part of a proactive team. Knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice 2014 and associated processes is essential.
This role can either be performed at home or on site, with attendance to the Civic Office 1 day per week.
Main Responsibility
- Manage the assessment process for all pupils within the post holder’s caseload to ensure all assessments happen in a timely and accurate manner and meet the national performance indicators.
- Accurately manage top up funding for children and young people with SEN support plans to ensure resources are effectively managed with maximum impact.
- Ensure the Capita ONE system is kept up to date and accurate, including record and process all aspects of finance related to EHC funding on Milton Keynes Council finance systems.
- Attend, record and support the facilitation of EHC co-production meetings to ensure all parties are adhering to statutory regulations and meeting Local Authority Guidelines and ensure the child or young person’s needs and agreed outcomes are effectively captured in the EHC plan.
- Effectively communicate, verbally and in written form, SEND legislation and local processes to all stakeholders, present clear information and advice to encourage parents/carers, children, young people and schools to positively engage with the outcomes and coproduction of EHC plans.
- Give information and advice on both statutory processes and requests for involvement with SEND services.
- Maintain up to date knowledge of current and new legislation and national and local policy to ensure that the team’s work is being carried out within this guidance.
The Ideal Candidate
- Educated to at least a NVQ Level 3 in business administration or Child Care or other relevant professional field.
- Experience of working in an educational environment, local government or other relevant field however we will consider candidates who have the relevant skills and aptitude for the role.
- Excellent ICT skills including the use of word, power point, excel and familiar with use of database systems.
- Highly developed organisational skills, ability to plan ahead, prioritise workload and pay attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to deal with families and professionals who may be anxious or unhappy with the decisions made.
- Understanding of current Special Educational Needs principles and procedures and current legislation related to SEN and Disability Discrimination Act.
- Can work effectively as both part of a team whilst being able to work on own initiative and take responsibility for own workload.
- An ability to pay attention to detail.
- Shows high levels of resilience with a good sense of humour.
- Has an enhanced DBS.
Package Description
We are really proud of the benefits we are able to offer our staff here at Milton Keynes Council, including:-
- Local Government Pension Scheme, considered to be one of the best employer contribution rates of 18.8%
- 27 days annual leave per year in addition to statutory and public holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Our Professional Development Centre provides access to courses such as in-house management development programmes endorsed by the Institute of Leadership, Apprenticeship Programmes (junior and senior), coaching and mentoring and access to our Smarter Learning portal
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cashplan
- MK Advantage benefits package – a range of savings on a wide range of retail, leisure and entertainment products and services such as Pizza Express, M&S, B&Q, John Lewis and Arriva Travel.
- SmartGo – Aimed at encouraging low-carbon transport and healthy lifestyle with discounted travel e.g. Halfords, Arriva, Europcar, National Railcards and Stagecoach.
- Homebuy Scheme (for eligible roles)
- Smarter working which provides the opportunity to work from various locations including from home for a proportion of your role (subject to business needs)
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity entitlements
- Childcare Subsidy
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes is a diverse, welcoming, and expanding place, built on smart ideas with even bigger plans for the future. We have world class attractions, beautiful open spaces, and a great standard of living.
Milton Keynes Council is one of the largest employers in the region, making a difference every day for local people. We’re responsible for all local government services in MK including education, housing, highways, and social services - around 240 services in all.
Our values are to be dedicated, respectful, and collaborative. If this sounds like you, join us for a stimulating and fulfilling career measured on results, and a rewarding work-life balance.
