At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage EHCP cases for vulnerable children and young people, ensuring their needs are met.
- Company: Join Havering's supportive Assessment & Placement Service focused on SEND.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and access to cutting-edge AI tools.
- Other info: Friendly team environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting vulnerable youth, strong communication skills, and knowledge of the education system.
The predicted salary is between 43680 - 48003 £ per year.
This is an exciting time to be joining Havering's Assessment & Placement Service, whose role within the wider SEND and Alternative Provision Service is to manage the statutory processes relating to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The service has grown significantly, with a varied range of new roles created which contribute to a strong sense of belonging within the service, support and development for all service members, and many opportunities for career progression.
The Case Officer (Vulnerable Groups) is responsible for the direct oversight and EHCP case management of a defined cohort of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) who are potentially particularly vulnerable due to the complexity of their needs and circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, children and young people who are:
- Educated Other Than at School (EOTAS)
- Without a school place or at risk of placement breakdown
- Subject to complex safeguarding, attendance or health-related risks
- Requiring bespoke or non-standard provision arrangements
The role requires a high level of professional judgement, autonomy and accountability, operating within the statutory SEND framework to ensure lawful, timely and high-quality decision-making that improves outcomes for children and young people while managing legal, financial and reputational risk to the Council. The Case Officer (Vulnerable Groups) does not have line management responsibility but is a key figure within the service, providing expert oversight of complex cases and acting as a point of professional reference for colleagues and managers.
We are seeking applications from candidates with a passion for supporting vulnerable children and young people, who have knowledge of the education system, and who have strong written and oral communications skills and who are highly organised.
As well as the chance to support positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND, becoming a part of Havering's SEND and Alternative Provision Service will offer:
- The chance to be part of a friendly, supportive Service of around 30 people, working closely with the rest of the 120-strong SEND and Alternative Provision Service
- An excellent induction package
- Dedicated business support
- Access to cutting-edge AI tools to support productivity and wellbeing
- Regular supervision
- Protected Continuing Professional Development time, including as part of Havering's '10 Days of Learning'
- An excellent balance between home/flexible working arrangements and time together as a team to create, collaborate and develop a sense of belonging
- Easily accessible workspaces
- Excellent transport links to inner and outer London including via the Elizabeth Line, as well as to Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas
- High quality IT equipment and responsive IT support
- There is flexibility on start dates.
An enhanced DBS check is required for this post.
For an informal discussion about this post, please contact suzanne.cooke@havering.gov.uk. The closing date for the receipt of applications is 20/8/26.
Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Helpdesk on 01708 432770.
We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.
The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role. We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
Case Officer (Vulnerable Pupils) in Romford employer: Borough of Havering
Havering is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a significant impact on the lives of children and families. With a strong commitment to systemic practice, access to accredited training, and a supportive work culture, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team in a role that is both meaningful and rewarding. Join us in a vibrant community where your expertise is valued, and together we can create positive outcomes for those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Case Officer (Vulnerable Pupils) in Romford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Borough of Havering.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Borough of Havering!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Borough of Havering, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Borough of Havering or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Case Officer (Vulnerable Pupils) in Romford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Borough of Havering:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Borough of Havering! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Havering
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
