SEND Operations Assistant

Job Description

Be Part of Positive Change as a SEND Operations Assistant

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with special educational needs? Join Essex County Council as a SEND Operations Assistant, helping to enhance the lives of those with SEND through vital administrative and operational support. As a SEND Operations Assistant, you will work within our SEND Operations Team, handling key processes like annual reviews, health notifications, and triage support—all while making a lasting impact. This is a fixed-term contract for 24 months, based in Colchester with flexible work options.

What You’ll Do as a SEND Operations Assistant

As a SEND Operations Assistant, your work will support Essex’s transformation in SEND services, ensuring processes are effective, timely, and user-focused. Responsibilities include managing health notifications, logging assessments, supporting annual review coordination, and acting as the first point of contact for queries from parents, schools, and professionals. You’ll also maintain essential tracking systems and data reporting to support efficient decision-making and compliance.

 Key Responsibilities of a SEND Operations Assistant

Health & Assessment Coordination

• Log and respond to Section 23 and 24 health notifications.

• Liaise with Inclusion Partners for effective follow-up and provision planning.

• Coordinate post-16 requests for assessments and communicate with stakeholders.

Annual Review & EHC Processes

• Support preparation of documentation for annual reviews.

• Coordinate invitations for relevant professionals and families.

• Send consultations to schools and log responses for the EHC process.

Triage & Contact Management

• Act as the first contact for SEND Operations.

• Signpost service users and respond to general enquiries.

• Direct inward transfer notifications and ensure statutory compliance.

Tracking & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of phase transfers and ceased EHCPs.

• Record and manage data for statutory deadlines and placement tracking.

• Provide reports to stakeholders based on recorded information.

 Skills & Experience Needed for a SEND Operations Assistant

• RQF Level 2 qualification or equivalent experience.

• Solid understanding of the SEND Code of Practice 2015.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proven time management and multitasking ability.

• Experience working in SEND or educational environments preferred.

Why Join Essex County Council?

Essex is a forward-thinking authority committed to transformational services. With over 1.8 million residents, we lead with innovation, productivity, and inclusion. From flexible working to professional development, Essex offers a workplace where purpose and progress go hand in hand. As we move toward devolution and regional transformation, there’s never been a more exciting time to join.

Additional Benefits

• Flexible working options (Anywhere worker role)

• Competitive salary: £25,081 to £26,679 per annum

• Access to employee wellbeing and carers support

• Inclusive, disability-confident employer

• Veteran and care leaver interview guarantee (if eligible)