At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex cases for children with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring quality support.
- Company: Join Leeds City Council, a leading employer dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and positive outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND casework or related fields is essential.
The predicted salary is between 47665 - 50908 £ per year.
As a SEN Casework Officer, you’ll play a vital role in achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Alongside managing complex casework, you will provide day-to-day oversight and support to colleagues, helping to maintain a high-quality, consistent and legally compliant service.
This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys taking ownership, showing leadership and influencing practice. You’ll act as a key point of expertise within the team, supporting others to navigate complex cases, modelling strong practice and ensuring children and families receive a responsive, professional service.
You will work in partnership with families, schools and multi-agency professionals to ensure children and young people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right setting - with their voices central to all decision-making.
This role will have a particular focus on supporting delivery of the Department for Education (DfE) Supported Internships Non-EHCP Pilot. The postholder will work closely with young people, families, education providers, employers and partner agencies to coordinate and oversee supported internship pathways, helping young people with additional needs to develop skills, gain meaningful work experience and progress towards sustained employment.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an innovative programme designed to improve preparation for adulthood and employment outcomes for young people across Leeds. You’ll be part of our Special Educational Needs Statutory Assessment and Provision (SENSAP) service, working together to fulfil our statutory duties and improve outcomes for children and young people across the city.
About you
- Experience of SEND casework or working with children, young people or families in a related field
- The confidence and capability to provide guidance, challenge and support to colleagues
- Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, SEND legislation and the statutory framework
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret professional reports and make sound decisions
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including delivering sensitive messages clearly and constructively
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively
- Well-developed mediation, negotiation and interpersonal skills
- Resilience, professional curiosity and a commitment to continuous improvement
- A child-centred, inclusive approach to practice
- A relevant professional qualification (e.g. teaching, social work, youth work) or equivalent experience is required.
About the role
This role is integral to our Education, Health and Care (EHC) casework team within the Special Educational Needs Statutory Assessment and Provision (SENSAP) service. As a SEN Casework Officer, you will manage a complex caseload of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), leading on EHC needs assessments, plans and reviews to ensure that statutory duties are delivered effectively, consistently and within required timescales.
Working at the heart of the service, you will play a key role in ensuring high-quality, child-centred practice. You will coordinate multi-agency contributions from education, health and care professionals, ensuring a holistic approach to assessment and planning that reflects the individual needs, aspirations and lived experiences of children and young people.
Alongside your casework responsibilities, you will take on an important leadership function within the team. You will provide day-to-day guidance, support and supervision to colleagues, share expertise and model strong practice to ensure consistency and quality across the service. You will also hold line management responsibility for identified staff, supporting their development, performance and delivery of high standards of work.
You will work closely with families, schools and a wide range of partner agencies, building strong relationships to resolve complex issues, negotiate provision and secure appropriate placements. Your role will require confident decision-making, strong communication and the ability to manage sensitive or contentious situations, including mediation, complaints and tribunal processes where required.
As part of a forward-thinking and collaborative service, you will contribute to continuous improvement, helping to develop processes, strengthen practice and ensure that children and young people with SEND are supported to achieve positive outcomes, including improved attendance, attainment and preparation for adulthood.
What we offer you
- A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
- A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Rhena Khan, SENSAP Lead – rhena.khan@leeds.gov.uk.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced check will be carried out on preferred candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds.
Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2024. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader. All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.
SEN Casework Officer (PO4 Supported Internships) in Leeds employer: Catholic Care
Catholic Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and the individuals they serve. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to training opportunities and leadership development, particularly in the vibrant regions of West & North Yorkshire. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Casework Officer (PO4 Supported Internships) in Leeds
✨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 Catholic Care.
✨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 Catholic Care!
✨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 Catholic Care, 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 Catholic Care 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 SEN Casework Officer (PO4 Supported Internships) in Leeds
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 Catholic Care:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Catholic Care! 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 Catholic Care
✨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.
