Tribunal Officer

The starting salary for this role is £43,923 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

This role is open to remote working meaning you aren't required in the office 5 days a week. We're less about you driving to work and more about us collectively driving down our carbon footprint. We care about how you work rather than where you work; the people rather than the postcode. In support of our people and our greener futures strategies, we'd welcome a conversation with the successful candidate on what remote working may look like for you.

If you have a thorough knowledge of SEND legislation, a keen eye for detail and confidence communicating with a wide range of audiences - we would be delighted to tell you more about an excellent opportunity with our SEND Tribunal Team!

We have 2 positions available: 1 permanent position and 1 fixed term contract/ secondment opportunity for 12 months.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Excellent training and CPD opportunities

About the Team

Surrey's SEN Area Teams administer, and are responsible for, statutory functions on behalf of the Authority and have significant contact with members of the public and other professionals from both within and outside of the County Council; approximately 408 schools and other settings.

There are four SEN Area Teams, which cover the four areas of the County, working across 11 Boroughs and Districts managing crucial interfaces with support services, Children's Services and the Corporate Parenting Team, as well as maintaining excellent multi-agency working.

As a Tribunal Officer in the team, you will be working in a fast-paced and at times complex interpersonal environment directly with parents, schools and other professional bodies within the statutory and legal framework related to the SEND Tribunal process.

About the Role

This is an exciting, wide and varied role and no two days ever look the same. One day you might be representing the Local Authority at a hearing, and the next be meeting with families and young people to work together to resolve a case or chairing a meeting with professionals to gather evidence. Restorative Practice and working together for Children and Young People will be at the core of what you do. Frequent analysis of conflicting deadlines and changing priorities as well as responding pro-actively to situations will be a daily part of your practice.

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• That you are naturally methodical and forensic in your analysis of case evidence
• Excellent planning skills and a well organised approach to managing changing priorities
• Ability to foster good working relationships with professionals and parents
• Well-developed and flexible communication skills - both in writing and verbally
• Ability to use initiative to manage pressured situations and unpredictable demands relating to your workload.
• Substantial legal knowledge of the relevant legislation
• Significant experience of successfully managing conflict and disputes in difficult situations
• Significant experience of effectively negotiating resolutions

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 14th February 2024 with interviews to follow.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Our Values

Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook also attached provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applications where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.

We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.