At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs and disabilities through casework and collaboration.
- Company: Lancashire County Council, dedicated to improving lives across the community.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a compassionate team culture that values trust and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in administrative roles, GCSEs in English and Maths, and a passion for inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 24114 - 28100 £ per year.
Inclusion Service – Lancashire County Council
Salary: £28,142 – £32,061, Full Time, 37 hours per week
Location: Lancashire, (Hybrid / Countywide)
Make a Real Difference for Children and Young People Across Lancashire
Imagine starting a role where every conversation you have, every decision you make, and every relationship you build directly improves the life of a child or young person with special educational needs or disabilities. If that excites you—this is the perfect opportunity.
We are investing in our Inclusion Service to strengthen how we support families, schools and settings across Lancashire. As a SEND Caseworker, you will be right at the heart of that mission. Your organisation, empathy and commitment to inclusion will help ensure young people get the right support at the right time—and you will see the impact of your work every single day.
About the Role
This is a dynamic, people‑focused role where no two days look the same. You will liaise closely with families, schools and multi‑agency partners, guiding them through statutory SEND processes and ensuring their voices are heard at every stage. Your work will include:
- Coordinating Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and annual reviews
- Preparing documentation for SEND panels and case reviews
- Acting as a trusted point of contact for service users and professionals
- Maintaining accurate digital records
- Supporting a designated group of educational settings
- Playing a key role in helping the council deliver its statutory responsibilities under the Children and Families Act 2014
If you are someone who thrives on meaningful work, relationship‑building and making a tangible difference—this is a role where you can truly shine.
About You
You will bring experience in administrative or casework roles, ideally with people‑facing responsibilities. You are confident managing a busy caseload, staying calm under pressure and communicating clearly with a wide range of audiences. Most importantly, you care deeply about inclusive practice and safeguarding, and you are ready to learn, grow and develop in a supportive team environment. An understanding of SEND processes is helpful—but if you are eager to learn, we will help you build that knowledge. You will need GCSE grade 5 (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
Why Join Us?
- A workplace that values flexibility and wellbeing
- Generous annual leave (26 days rising to 32 with service), 10 bank holidays, the option to buy additional leave, the Local Government Pension Scheme, and access to a wide range of discounts and salary‑sacrifice benefits.
Development you can feel proud of
- You will receive a thorough induction, ongoing CPD, opportunities for professional qualifications and regular supervision.
- Reflective practice and peer support are part of our culture, and progression is actively encouraged.
A culture built on trust and inclusion
We respect that people work best when they feel supported. We encourage flexible working patterns, promote a compassionate team culture, and ensure everyone feels empowered to deliver their best.
How to Apply
Tell us in your application how you meet the criteria in the Job Description and Person Specification—we are excited to hear your story and what you will bring to the team.
Closing Date: Sunday 15th March 2026
Interviews: TBC
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.
In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website. We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.
SEND Caseworker in Preston employer: Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a culture of trust and inclusion, we provide generous benefits including extensive annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment that encourages growth and progression. Join us in a role where your contributions are valued and have a direct impact on the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Caseworker in Preston
✨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 Lancashire 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 Lancashire 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 Lancashire 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 Lancashire 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 SEND Caseworker in Preston
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 Lancashire County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lancashire 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 Lancashire 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.
