At a Glance
- Tasks: Create impactful education plans for children with special needs and collaborate with various professionals.
- Company: Join a supportive council dedicated to improving lives in Derby.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 27 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with support networks and career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with disabilities.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND services and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27694 - 29540 £ per year.
We want every child and young person with special educational needs and/or disabilities in Derby to be able to ‘live their best life’. The SEND Service plays a massive part in making sure that this happens. We work with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities to make sure that they achieve well in their early years at school and in college and lead happy and fulfilling lives.
Responsibilities
- Formulate education, health and care (EHC) plans in accordance with the SEND code of practice.
- Collaborate with colleagues in health, schools and social care, fully involving children, young people, parents and carers in co-producing EHC plans.
- Show empathy and resilience in supporting children and young people, and their parents or carers, through the assessment process.
- Support the service’s continuous improvement journey by highlighting blockages and identifying solutions to ensure statutory obligations are met.
Applicants must include a covering letter explaining how their qualifications, experience and skills match those listed on the job description and provide evidence of experience working in statutory SEND services.
Benefits and Working Conditions
- Flexible work/life balance scheme (depending on your role)
- Hybrid working (depending on your role)
- Modern office environment
- Continued professional development opportunities & career conversations
- 27 days annual leave (increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service), plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Team Derby Rewards – retail and leisure discounts
- Tusker Car Benefit Scheme
- Cycle2Work Scheme & free cycle training
- Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Calendar and Support
- Access to Equality Employee Networks – LGBTQ+, Disabled Employee Network & Carers and our Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Employee Support Network and Neurodiversity Network
- Support for colleagues who are carers
Additional Information
As part of our safer recruitment checks the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. All employees will normally be appointed to the minimum of the grade for the job. Before you complete your application, please read our guidance on filling in your application form and align your personal statement to the essential criteria in the Person Specification.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are a fair and inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We recruit for diversity and value difference. As many of our roles can now be home‑based, we are able to offer more opportunities for people who need this facility. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. If you are a disabled person, you have the choice to apply under our Guaranteed Interview Scheme so long as you demonstrate that you meet the essential requirements for the job. We feel it is essential that we recruit a talented workforce that is as diverse as the community we work for. Please let us know of any individual requirements or reasonable adjustments you may have during the application, interview, or onboarding process and we’ll do all we can to help. We strongly believe in social understanding of disability and for us it’s all about removing barriers to equality.
SEND Casework Officer employer: Derby City Council
As a SEND Casework Officer with the Council, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to ensuring that every child and young person with special educational needs and/or disabilities in Derby can thrive. Our supportive work culture prioritises professional development, offering flexible working arrangements and a modern office environment, alongside generous annual leave and a comprehensive benefits package. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families while enjoying a fulfilling career in a diverse and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Casework Officer
✨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 Derby City Council.
✨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 Derby City Council!
✨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 Derby City Council, 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 Derby City Council 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 SEND Casework Officer
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 Derby City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Derby City Council! 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 Derby City Council
✨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.
