Job Description

Are you passionate about public service and supporting children with SEND and their families? Whether you're just starting your career or looking to build on your existing skills and experience, we want to hear from you! Make a real difference, help shape brighter futures for children and young people in East Sussex!




Working within a local authority offers a wealth of career development opportunities. As an Assessment and Planning Officer, you'll play a vital role in coordinating, writing, and reviewing Education Health and Care Plans (EHC Plans) for children and young people. You'll hold a caseload, visit schools, and work closely with parents/carers, young people, schools, and other key professionals to ensure high-quality provision for children.




What can we offer you?


A motivated team committed to the continuous improvement of outcomes for children and young people. A commitment to a model of reflective practice based on regular supervision to support all employees in their professional development. A continued professional development (CPD) programme to ensure your personal and professional skills and knowledge are enhanced and developed to support the performance of the service. A fellow team of motivated and committed professionals, and a supportive wider management team. We also offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page. County Hall provides a cafe with a full range of hot and cold lunches, snacks and drinks with seating both indoors and out. County Hall (Lewes), just a short walk from the town centre and train station, with on-site parking available at a reduced rate for employees.



We're looking for candidates with:


Excellent interpersonal and communication skills The ability to gather and summarise complex information and write in a clear, structured way Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload A commitment to continuous professional development
While a background in education, social care, or special educational needs is advantageous, it's not essential. What matters most is your exceptional organisational skills and your drive to make a positive impact.




To apply for this role, please follow the 'Apply Now' button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests. Your supporting statement is the most important part of your application as it will be used in the shortlisting process to determine if you will be invited to attend an interview.




Please read our help applying for jobs pages carefully. You'll need to complete your education and work history and upload a supporting statement showing how you meet the essential criteria within the job description and specification. Your supporting statement is the most important part of your application and will be used in the shortlisting process.




Please download the and Person Specification for more information.


Interviews are scheduled for Friday 24 October 2025 and will be held in person at County Hall, Lewes. If you're unable to attend on this date, please mention this in your application.




Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.




This is a challenging but rewarding role, and you'll be well supported by colleagues and the wider team and have access to high-quality, ongoing CPD. This is an exciting opportunity for you to join us in championing change for children. East Sussex County Council is committed to offering excellent CPD for staff. The Assessment and Planning Team is part of the wider Special Educational Needs & Disability Service (SEND).




For an informal discussion about this opportunity, contact Susan Cotterill, 14-25 Service Manager, on 01273 336740.


For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex.



Additional Information



This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record . Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.



Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.



If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas



If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.