Special Education Needs (SEN) Officer

HIGH DemandLOW AI RiskGROWING in SL

About This Role

Supporting and teaching children with diverse learning and physical needs.

A Day in the Life

You coordinate and manage Special Educational Needs provision across a school or zone, supporting students with disabilities, learning differences, and developmental conditions by implementing inclusive education policies and coordinating specialist support.

Conduct initial assessments of students with learning difficulties, disabilities, or developmental conditions
Develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in collaboration with teachers, parents, and specialists
Coordinate support services — speech therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists
Train classroom teachers on inclusive teaching strategies and differentiation
Monitor and review student progress against IEP targets
Liaise with the Ministry of Education's Special Education Unit on policy implementation
Communicate with parents and caregivers about their child's educational provision
Maintain records, referral documentation, and SEN register

Work Environment

OFFICETeam: SMALLBUSINESS CASUALRemote: LOW

School-based or zonal education office role. Sri Lanka's inclusive education framework is supported by the National Policy on Disability and the Ministry of Education's Special Education Unit. SEN Officers operate in both resource rooms within regular schools and at special education schools. The National Institute of Education (NIE) provides training for SEN professionals.

Skills Required

Technical Skills

Special educational needs assessment and IEP developmentKnowledge of learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism spectrum)Inclusive education frameworks and differentiation strategiesCoordination of multi-disciplinary support teamsAssistive technology for students with disabilitiesMinistry of Education SEN policy and legal frameworkRecord keeping and SEN documentation

Soft Skills

Empathy and advocacy for students with additional needsCollaborative working with teachers, specialists, and parentsCalm, consistent communication with families in difficult situationsProblem-solving in resource-constrained environmentsPatience and persistence in long-term student supportCultural sensitivity in engaging diverse family contexts

Tools & Software

IEP software or templatesAssessment tools (WISC, educational psychology screening tools)Assistive technology (screen readers, AAC devices, hearing aids)Microsoft Word / Google Docs (documentation)Communication apps (for non-verbal students)Ministry of Education SEN databases and reporting systems

Salary in Sri Lanka (LKR / month)

Entry LevelRs.40k – Rs.70k/mo

Mid-LevelRs.70k – Rs.130k/mo

SeniorRs.120k – Rs.220k/mo

Entry: SEN Support Worker / Resource Room TeacherMid: Special Education Needs (SEN) Officer / SENCOSenior: Senior SEN Officer / SEN Programme Manager

Typical progression: 3yr to mid · 8yr to senior

Risks & Challenges

AI / Automation Risk

LOW

LONG TERM

Burnout Risk

MEDIUM