Assessment & Reviewing Officer

Closing date: 07th June 2026

Salary: Grade 12, ranging from £28,598 - £32,061 per annum. 

Join us on our mission to improve the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Somerset.

We are looking for a motivated and organised Assessment and Reviewing Officer (ARO) to join our Statutory SEND team, supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

With inclusion at the heart of the service, we support children and young people with Education Health Care Plans. You will manage a caseload of children and young people, ensuring high-quality plans are produced, reviewed, and maintained in line with legal requirements.

Role summary:

As an Assessment and Reviewing Officer you will ensure children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) receive high‑quality, outcome‑focused EHC assessments and annual reviews within statutory timescales.

Acting as the key point of contact for families, education settings and professionals, the role coordinates multi‑agency input and delivers accurate, person‑centred EHC plans that reflect each child or young person’s needs and aspirations. 

You will manage your own caseload, maintain strong relationships with families and partners, and supports statutory processes including mediation and tribunal work, helping Somerset Council meet its duties and deliver consistently high standards for SEND services.

What you’ll do - key responsibilities:

• Coordinate outcome‑focused EHCP assessments and reviews within statutory timescales.
• Act as a single point of contact for families, settings and professionals.
• Work collaboratively across education, health and social care services.
• Produce clear, person‑centred plans and maintain accurate case records.
• Support mediation, tribunal preparation and service improvement.
• Ensure compliance with SEND legislation and safeguarding procedures.

What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills:

• Recognised and relevant professional qualification e.g. Teaching, Social Work, other level 3 qualifications, management qualifications.
• Evidence of work-related continuing management development.
• Understanding of person-centred planning and ability to produce high‑quality, outcome‑focused EHCPs using multi‑agency information.
• Knowledge of statutory SEND processes, including EHC needs assessments, annual reviews, and legal timeframes.
• Experience of multi‑disciplinary and multi‑agency working.
• Ability to assess and manage risk for vulnerable children and young people.
• Experience of leading multi‑agency meetings.
• Experience of writing high‑quality, person‑centred plans.
• Experience of working with IT client databases.
• Experience of working within safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and on own initiative, prioritising workload appropriately.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritise and delegate effectively.
• Ability to build honest, trusting and effective relationships with children, young people, families, schools and professionals.
• Ability to communicate effectively in fluent English.

Additional Information:  

• Permanent contract - 37 hours per week
• This role offers hybrid working, allowing you to work either from home or from our offices at County Hall, Taunton. There is an expectation that you will be in the office a minimum of two days a week.
• 28 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays)
• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship
• Interviews have been planned for the week of the 15th June 2026
• For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Katie Knight, Service Manager - Disputes and Resolutions Team, at katie.knight@somerset.gov.uk

A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request via recruitment@somerset.gov.uk