Mandarin-Speaking SEN Assessment Coordinator

Fluent Mandarin is essential and non-negotiable for this position.

Working with us

Cognita is a global family of over 90 schools across 21 countries, with more than 100,000 students, 22,000 colleagues, 14 curricula and 9 languages of instruction. Our strength lies in our diversity. There is no single model of a Cognita school because education is inherently local. When families choose a school, they are making a deeply personal and community-based decision, and our schools reflect this.

What unites us is a shared ambition to deliver consistently high-quality education, alongside an exceptional experience for students and parents. We define this clearly through group-wide standards that articulate what “great” looks like, while allowing schools the freedom to express their local identity.

We have recently launched a new vision and strategic plan. It is ambitious and sets a clear direction for the years ahead.

Job Overview

You will be responsible for reviewing prospective student applications and supporting documentation to identify SEN-related flags, concerns and potential support requirements. This is a detail-focused role requiring strong knowledge of SEN profiles and the ability to recognise relevant indicators across educational, assessment and specialist documentation.

You will review a high volume of applications, including IEPs, educational psychology reports, learning support records, assessments and relevant medical or specialist reports. You will identify gaps, inconsistencies or potential red flags, summarise your findings clearly for leadership review and ensure accurate records are maintained throughout the admissions process.

Key Responsibilities

• Screen applications and supporting documentation for SEN-related flags, concerns and potential support requirements
• Review and interpret IEPs, assessments, educational psychology reports, school support plans and relevant specialist or medical reports
• Identify gaps, inconsistencies or red flags within submitted documentation
• Summarise findings clearly for leadership, including recommendations such as “flagged for learning support review”
• Maintain accurate and consistent records of applications reviewed
• Work closely with the admissions team to communicate application status, concerns and required follow-up
• Ensure all screening activity is handled with a high level of confidentiality, accuracy and professionalism

What you'll bring
Essential Skills

• Fluent Mandarin speaking skills is essential and non-negotiable
• Strong ability to identify SEN flags and concerns from application documents, reports and assessments
• Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to spot gaps, inconsistencies and potential red flags
• Clear and concise written communication skills, particularly when documenting findings and flagging concerns for leadership review
• Good knowledge of SEN identification markers, including IEPs, educational psychology reports, learning support records and relevant medical or specialist reports
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a high volume of applications while maintaining consistent and accurate tracking

Essential Experience

• Minimum 2 years’ experience working within an SEN context, such as a classroom, school or educational setting
• Experience reading and interpreting SEN documentation, including IEPs, assessments, specialist reports and school support plans
• Exposure to a broad range of SEN profiles, including dyslexia, ADHD, autism, physical disabilities and speech and language needs
• Previous administrative, admissions, screening or application-review experience, including document collation and file tracking

Qualifications

• Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent school-based experience
• SEN-specific training or qualification

Location & Working Pattern

Based in Dubai, the working week may be Monday–Friday or Tuesday–Saturday, depending on operational requirements. International travel and occasional weekend work may also be required.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop their experience across SEN, admissions and educational operations within a highly professional environment. If you are an experienced SEN professional with strong document-review skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to identify and clearly communicate potential support requirements, we would be keen to hear from you.

Cognita is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 10 years.