Location: Mansfield - Nottinghamshire
Client: Nottinghamshire County Council
Sector: Children, Families and Cultural Services
Salary: £22.14
Contract Type: Temporary
Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 16:30
Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced Senior Practitioner to manage a caseload of SEND mediation and tribunal cases lodged via SENDIST. You will lead on preparing the Local Authority’s statement of case, gathering multi-agency evidence, and representing the Local Authority at tribunal hearings. The successful candidate will bring strong tribunal knowledge, a thorough understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, and robust legal and case management expertise.
Key Duties May Include
- Managing and preparing responses for SENDIST appeals, ensuring legal robustness and timely submission.
- Leading mediation and tribunal casework including case analysis, evidence collation, and strategic defence preparation.
- Representing the Local Authority at hearings and ensuring witness and partner agency coordination.
- Attending and leading multi-agency triage meetings, identifying key trends and improvement areas.
- Holding a small caseload of complex SEND cases, including those linked to judicial review and ombudsman involvement.
- Deputising for the Assessment Manager and representing the team at external meetings or events.
- Supporting performance monitoring, staff training, and promoting integrated, strength-based approaches.
- Develop, prepare, and present high-quality legal responses for tribunal and mediation cases.
- Lead and coach colleagues in handling complex cases, providing quality assurance and strategic input.
- Ensure accurate application of SEND and education legislation, policies, and procedures.
- Maintain strong professional networks across education, health, and social care.
- Monitor service performance and contribute to continuous improvement.
- Promote effective resource allocation that supports positive outcomes and value for money.
- Educated to Level 6 or above in a relevant Children’s Services or Adult Services field.
- A minimum of 4 years’ experience in children and family services, with a focus on complex SEND casework.
- Proven experience preparing for and attending SEND tribunals and mediations.
- Strong understanding of the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice, and related legislation.
- Ability to lead, support, and train others in legal processes and case management.
- Experience in multi-agency environments and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
- Experience with safeguarding and complex placement-related problem solving.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication, with the ability to present complex legal arguments.
- Strong analytical, legal reasoning, and report-writing skills.
- High-level organisational skills and the ability to meet strict deadlines under pressure.
- Skilled at influencing and challenging in a professional, constructive manner.
- Ability to coach, support, and lead other practitioners.
- Proficient in managing casework involving highly complex and sensitive needs.
- Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.
- Must be able to travel across the county for hearings, meetings, and multi-agency work.
- Enhanced DBS clearance required.
- Occasional flexibility outside standard hours may be required for hearings or urgent matters.
If you are interested in the role and would like to contact me for further information on the role you can contact myself on the details below.
At Service Care Solutions we also offer a £250 bonus for referrals! If you think you know someone who would be ideal for this role and they are placed in the job you will then receive £250 at the end of their probationary period.
To apply for this role, or to refer someone else, then please do not hesitate to contact Jack at Service Care Solutions on 01772208964 or email on Jack.Lonsdale@Servicecare.org.uk
