At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities by managing complex cases and ensuring timely reviews.
- Company: Kent County Council, dedicated to improving lives and fostering inclusivity.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, professional development, and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of SEN legislation and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for Senior EHC Casework Officers to join our EHC Casework Team and Phase Transfer 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.
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.
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: November 2026
For more information about the School Age Team role, please contact Maria Halford at maria.halford@kent.gov.uk or telephone on 03000 418624. For more information about the Phase Transfer Team role, please contact Gemma Buckle at gemma.buckle@kent.gov.uk or telephone on 03000 415553.
KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
Location: Various locations - to be discussed at interview, United Kingdom.
Senior EHC Casework Officer employer: Kent County Council
As a KPAS Attendance Officer with Kent County Council, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to improving school attendance for children and young people across West Kent. The Council fosters a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, offering flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development. With a focus on making a meaningful impact in the community, this role provides a unique chance to engage with various stakeholders while enjoying the benefits of a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior EHC 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 Kent County 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 Kent County 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 Kent County 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 Kent County 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 EHC 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 Kent County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kent County 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 Kent County 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.
