Community Lawyer (Grade 10)

Summary

Responsibilities

• Promote professional standards by delivering outcome-focused assessments and contributing to the Council's success in SEND.
  
• Ensure timely Education Health and Care assessments or reviews for children and young people with SEND.
  
• Support compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015.
  
• Serve as a key contact for children, families, and service users, ensuring appropriate service arrangements.
  
• Collaborate with practitioners to identify and involve specialists when needed.
  
• Promote early identification of special educational needs and disabilities through multi-professional collaboration.
  
• Complete and review Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCP) within statutory timeframes.
  
• Attend various planning and review meetings on behalf of the Local Authority.
  
• Maintain accurate case records using the Council’s database.
  
• Manage caseloads and communicate potential issues to managers.
  
• Provide information and support for the Local Offer, ensuring up-to-date information.
  
• Assist in formal disagreement resolutions and tribunal preparations.
  
• Understand and contribute to service area performance improvements.
  
• Stay informed about relevant legislation in SEND and social care.
  
• Address safeguarding concerns by referring them to senior staff.
  
• Coordinate EHCP assessments in compliance with statutory guidelines.
  
• Develop outcome-focused plans that reflect the needs of children and young people.
  
• Build trusting relationships with stakeholders while managing expectations.
  
• Support senior officers in case chronologies and tribunal preparations.
  

• Essential knowledge of promoting professional standards and delivering outcome-focused assessments in SEND.
  
• Experience in multidisciplinary working and risk management for vulnerable children.
  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, prioritizing tasks effectively.
  
• Experience leading multi-agency meetings and writing person-centered plans.
  
• Proficiency in using IT client databases and working within safeguarding policies.
  
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., teaching, social work, management).
  
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
  
• Strong time management, organizational, and delegation skills.
  
• Ability to build honest and trusting relationships with stakeholders.
  
• Fluent English proficiency as per the Immigration Act (2016).
  

Working Conditions

• The role adheres to Somerset Council’s dynamic Working Strategy.
  
• Commitment to the Council’s equality, diversity, and inclusion policies, and health and safety standards.