Assessment and Planning Officer, 0-13

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!

This is an exciting opportunity for you to join us in championing change for children.

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.

Location is County Hall in Lewes which is just a short walk from the town centre and train station, with on-site parking available at a reduced rate for employees.

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.

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

We warmly welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are working towards a workforce that reflects the communities we serve because we recognise the value of different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. We are working towards recruiting a workforce that reflects our community, because we recognise the value of diverse perspectives and experiences.

Please read our help applying for jobs pages carefully. They give you all the guidance you need to complete your application as well as information on what will happen after you’ve submitted your application and at interview.

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. As part of your application, you will 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 job specification. 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.

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI .

Interviews are scheduled for Friday 09 October 2026 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.

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 café with a full range of hot and cold lunches, snacks and drinks with seating both indoors and out.

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.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, contact Holly Woods, 0-13 Service Manager, on 01273 336740.

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 work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex!