At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee complex cases and ensure timely support for children with Special Educational Needs.
- Company: Kent County Council, dedicated to improving lives of children and young people.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, professional development, and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with SEND while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of SEN legislation and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for Senior EHC Casework Officers to join our EHC Casework Teams. This is a challenging and rewarding role for individuals who are dynamic, creative, and outcomes-focused, and who are committed to improving the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Kent.
Role Responsibility
The Local Authority has clear statutory responsibilities for children and young people aged 0-25 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Our EHC Casework Teams are committed to improving the quality, consistency, and timeliness of the Annual Review process, ensuring that children and young people receive the right support at the right time. You will play a key role in delivering the Local Authority's statutory functions by overseeing the Annual Review process and managing the day-to-day activities associated with securing appropriate provision for children and young people with EHCPs within a defined geographical area.
As a Senior EHC Casework Officer, you will oversee complex cases, ensuring statutory timescales are met and, where required, coordinating the issue of amendment notices, final amended EHCPs, or the cessation of plans. Working closely with colleagues, you will determine whether an EHCP should be amended, maintained, or ceased, and will collaborate effectively with wider professional agencies, children and young people, and their parents and carers. You will ensure families are fully involved, kept informed throughout the process, and that all decisions remain firmly child‑centred.
You will manage a smaller but more complex caseload, undertaking statutory processes in a professional and timely manner. This will include cases involving Looked After Children (LAC), Elective Home Education (EHE), children and young people at risk of placement breakdown, and those who move in and out of the county frequently. Highly complex cases should be discussed with, or escalated to, the EHC Casework Team Manager as appropriate.
This is a busy and demanding role; however, you will be supported by an established, experienced, and collaborative senior leadership team. There will be opportunities to further develop your skills, and Kent County Council is committed to continuous professional development within the service.
To be considered for this role, you will need a strong understanding of SEN legislation, in particular the SEN Code of Practice (2014), the Children and Families Act (2014), and the Disability Discrimination Act (1995), and an ability to apply this knowledge within the context of Kent. You will have excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills and demonstrate a resilient and tenacious approach to managing challenging situations. You will also have a sound knowledge of IT systems, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a strong commitment to maintaining high levels of accuracy and confidentiality. Confidence in data processing, data integration, and data analysis is essential.
If you are a positive individual with a "can‑do" approach, capable of working under pressure while delivering a client‑focused service that exceeds expectations, we would welcome your application.
This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This role is considered customer‑facing, and under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016), Kent County Council has a statutory duty to ensure that post holders have a sufficient command of spoken English or Welsh to carry out their duties effectively. The required standards are outlined in the Job Description and Person Specification.
Location
The successful candidate will be required to work in the office at least two days per week, with flexible home‑working arrangements for the remaining time. The role will also involve attending meetings at educational settings, partner organisations, and Local Authority premises across Kent.
Start Date
June 2026
Contact Details
For more information about the role, please contact Maria Halford, EHC Casework Manager – or 03000 418624.
Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!
Senior EHC Casework Officer in Gravesend employer: Kent County Council
Kent County Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). With a strong commitment to professional development, a collaborative work culture, and flexible working arrangements, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment. The role of Senior EHC Casework Officer offers the opportunity to engage with diverse cases across Kent, ensuring that families receive the right support at the right time.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior EHC Casework Officer in Gravesend
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the team and the work culture, plus it might just lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to SEN legislation and casework. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for improving lives! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. This will highlight your commitment to child-centred approaches.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior EHC Casework Officer in Gravesend
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities shine through. We want to see how committed you are to making a difference in their lives!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Use examples from your past roles that highlight your understanding of SEN legislation and your experience with complex cases. We love seeing how you've tackled challenges and made an impact in your previous positions.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we appreciate detail, make sure your application is easy to read. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us quickly grasp your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the SEN Code of Practice (2014), the Children and Families Act (2014), and the Disability Discrimination Act (1995). Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you understand the framework within which you'll be working.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills. Think about times when you've successfully managed challenging situations or collaborated with families and professionals, as this role is all about effective communication and teamwork.
✨Demonstrate Your Data Savvy
Since confidence in data processing and analysis is essential, be ready to discuss your experience with IT systems. Bring examples of how you've used data to inform decisions or improve processes in previous roles, especially in a casework context.
✨Emphasise Your Child-Centred Approach
This role is all about improving the lives of children and young people with SEND. Be prepared to talk about how you've kept the child at the centre of your work in past positions, and how you plan to do so in this role. Show your passion for making a difference!
