At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage SEN casework officers to support children with special educational needs.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Harrow, dedicated to making a difference in education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to impact young lives.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with special needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEN services, strong communication skills, and relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.
Overview The London Borough of Harrow has a new opening for a Senior Professional SEN Casework Officer to join our SEN Assessment and Review Service.
The post holder will support the Team Manager in effective operation of the Local Authority’s duties and responsibilities in relation to children and young people from 0 – 25 years of age with special educational needs and disabilities within the framework of the Education Act 1996, the Children and Families Act 2014, the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2015, and related legislation and guidance.
As a Senior Professional SEN Casework Officer, you will directly line manage the SEN casework officers, with oversight of the quality and timeliness of education, health and care plans (EHCP) and annual review processes.
Furthermore, you will also oversee complex cases and lead on cases requiring conflict resolution and mediation.
You will have decision making responsibility on the distribution of resources to support children and young people with education, health and care plans, including the delegation of funding to Harrow schools through the EHCP plans, in addition to co-ordinating and presenting cases to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal.
About You The successful candidate will have: Knowledge of legislation and legal frameworks for disability, health and social care relating to special educational needs, local authority responsibilities and an understanding of how to implement statutory duties in a multi-disciplinary context.
Familiarity with the funding arrangements that relate to special educational needs provision.
Experience of working in an SEN service and/or education field, working to support children/young people and their families to achieve their outcomes
High level written and verbal communication skills, including formal presentations.
Proven skills in negotiation, influencing, leading and managing people within a multi-professional/agency context.
A degree or professional qualification or relevant training in the area of SEN.
The ability to travel for business purposes when required.
Related Documents For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/Selection Criteria
Senior Professional SEN Casework Officer in Harrow employer: Harrow Council
The London Borough of Harrow is an excellent employer, offering a supportive multi-disciplinary environment where Occupational Therapists can thrive. With flexible scheduling options, employees enjoy a great work-life balance while making a meaningful impact in the community. The organisation prioritises professional development and growth opportunities, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to enhance the independence and safety of residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Professional SEN Casework Officer in Harrow
✨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 Harrow 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 Harrow 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 Harrow 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 Harrow 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 Senior Professional SEN Casework Officer in Harrow
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 Harrow Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Harrow 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 Harrow 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.
