Post-16 SEND Officer

Inclusion Service – Lancashire County Council
Salary: £36,363 – £40,777
Location: Lancashire (Hybrid / Countywide)

Help Young People Build Their Future. Be the Link Between Education, Opportunity and Adulthood.

For many young people with special educational needs and disabilities, the transition from school into further education, training and adulthood is one of the most important stages of their lives. The support they receive during this period can shape their future opportunities, independence and long-term success.

At Lancashire’s Inclusion Service, we are committed to ensuring that every young person is supported to achieve their ambitions and prepare confidently for adult life. As our new Post-16 SEND Officer , you will play a vital role in guiding young people and their families through this important journey, ensuring their voices, aspirations and outcomes remain at the centre of every decision.

This is a role where your work will have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people across Lancashire.

About the Role

As a Post-16 SEND Officer, you will manage a caseload of young people aged 16 to 25, coordinating the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process and ensuring statutory responsibilities are delivered effectively and within required timescales. You will play a key role in supporting transitions from Year 11 into further education, training, apprenticeships and other pathways, helping young people access the opportunities that best meet their needs and aspirations.

Working closely with young people, families, schools, colleges, training providers and professionals across education, health and care, you will coordinate annual reviews, phased transfers, consultations and placement planning. You will gather and analyse information from a wide range of sources, prepare high-quality EHCPs and recommendations, and ensure Preparation for Adulthood remains central to planning and decision-making.

You will contribute to dispute resolution, panel activity, quality assurance and continuous improvement, promoting person-centred and inclusive practice throughout your work.

About You

You will bring experience of working with children, young people, families or the public, along with excellent communication, organisational and relationship-building skills. You understand the importance of helping young people participate in decisions about their future and are confident working collaboratively with families, educational settings and multi-agency partners.

You are able to analyse information from multiple sources, produce clear and well-structured reports, manage a varied caseload and work effectively within statutory timescales. You are empathetic, solution-focused and committed to delivering high-quality outcomes for young people with SEND.

An understanding of SEND legislation, EHCP processes and the wider education, health and care landscape is advantageous, alongside a commitment to developing your expertise within this specialist area. You will hold a relevant qualification or equivalent experience and possess GCSE Grade 5 (or equivalent) in English and Maths. This is an essential car user post and you must be able to provide a vehicle insured for business use.

Why Join Us?

A workplace built on trust, balance and flexibility

We offer hybrid working, flexible hours and a culture that prioritises wellbeing. You’ll receive 26 days’ annual leave (rising to 32 with service), 10 bank holidays and the option to purchase additional leave. You’ll also benefit from the Local Government Pension Scheme, access to our Employee Assistance Programme and a wide range of staff discounts and salary sacrifice benefits.

Development that grows with you

You’ll receive a comprehensive induction, ongoing CPD and regular supervision to support your professional development. We are committed to helping colleagues build their SEND expertise and develop rewarding careers within the Inclusion Service.

A culture grounded in inclusivity

We believe every child and young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our teams work collaboratively, value diverse perspectives and are committed to delivering inclusive, person-centred services that make a genuine difference to families across Lancashire.

How to Apply

Please use your application to show how you meet the criteria outlined in the Job Description and Person Specification. Attach your supporting statement and resume. We’re excited to welcome someone who shares our commitment to helping young people with SEND achieve positive outcomes and successful futures.

Closing Date: Sunday 4 th October 2026
Interviews: TBC

Job Description and Person Specification

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Local Government Reorganisation

The Government has confirmed that local government across Lancashire will be reorganised, with the current 15 councils being replaced by four new unitary councils covering North, South, East and West Lancashire from April 2028.

If you are successful in your application, you will initially join Lancashire County Council. However, as part of the planned transition, your employment will transfer to one of the new unitary councils from April 2028, subject to the implementation of the reorganisation and relevant employment legislation.

Throughout this period, our focus remains on delivering excellent services to our communities. By joining us now, you'll play an important role in shaping the future of local government and helping to build a strong new organisation that will serve residents for years to come.