At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex SEND assessments and support colleagues in delivering high-quality services.
- Company: Leicestershire County Council, committed to inclusive and accessible services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Relevant professional qualification and strong knowledge of SEND legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 43860 - 47829 € per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: County Hall, Glenfield, LE3 8RA
Salary: £43,860 - £47,829 per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time) (Pay Award Pending)
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 3rd June 2026
Interview Date(s): 10th & 11th June 2026
Are you an experienced SEND professional with a strong commitment to high‑quality, child‑centred statutory practice? Do you have the expertise and confidence to take the lead on complex EHCP casework, support colleagues' development and contribute to continuous service improvement? Leicestershire County Council is seeking a dedicated and skilled Senior SENA Case Manager to play a vital role within our Special Educational Needs Assessment Service, specifically within our Tribunals and Mediation team. This is an excellent opportunity to combine advanced casework with leadership, coaching and quality assurance responsibilities in a high profile statutory service supporting children, young people and families across Leicestershire.
About the Role
As a Senior SENA Case Manager, you will be an experienced practitioner within the service, using your professional expertise to support consistently high‑quality SEND assessment, planning and review activity. You will hold a caseload of predominantly complex cases and act as the lead professional, ensuring work is delivered in line with SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and local policies, with children and families at the centre of practice. Working closely with the SENA Team Manager, you will also contribute to practice leadership within the team, providing guidance, supervision and developmental support to Case Managers, and helping to drive continuous improvement across the service.
This key role involves:
- Leading complex statutory SEN assessments, reviews and planning activity using a person‑centred approach
- Preparing for and representing the local authority at mediations and SEND appeal tribunals, working alongside Legal Services and partner agencies
- Attending and leading a range of formal meetings including annual reviews, co‑production meetings, mediation meetings and tribunal hearings
- Modelling high‑quality casework practice and supporting the professional development of colleagues through coaching, joint working and practice education
- Providing line management and professional supervision to SENA Case Managers in line with the supervision framework
- Using performance data and service intelligence to inform decision making, quality assurance and service improvement
- Supporting process improvement, service reviews and the development of efficient, effective SEND systems and digital pathways
- Taking thematic or lead responsibility for agreed areas of policy, practice development or quality assurance
- Working in close partnership with education settings, parents/carers, young people, health, social care and other statutory and non‑statutory partners
- Acting as a key liaison point between Case Managers and the SENA Team Manager when required
- Contributing to complaints handling, audit activity and safeguarding responsibilities within the service
You will be a confident, skilled practitioner who can balance operational delivery with practice leadership, quality assurance and partnership working. An enhanced with barred list DBS check is required for this post.
About You
To apply for this post, you must:
- A relevant professional qualification (or equivalent experience within the SEND field), with evidence of continuing professional development
- Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and local authority statutory duties
- Experience of supporting and developing colleagues through supervision, coaching or joint working
- Proven ability to lead complex multi‑agency, person‑centred casework and achieve positive outcomes for children and young people
- Significant knowledge of the factors and influences which can impact on children achieving positive outcomes, including cognitive development, physical difficulties or other SEN needs
- Advanced skills in communication, both written and verbal, with children, young people, parents/carers, colleagues and other professionals and the ability to present information in formal settings such as person‑centred planning meetings, annual reviews, mediations and tribunal proceedings
- The ability to work flexibly, manage competing demands and meet deadlines in a high pressure statutory environment
In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Interested in Flexible Working? We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part‑time working, job sharing, term‑time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
Contact Rhiannon Smith – SENA Service Manager – Secondary Email: Rhiannon.smith@leics.gov.uk
Senior Case Manager SENA employer: Leicestershire County Council
Leicestershire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the professional development of its staff. As a Senior SENA Case Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead complex casework while contributing to meaningful improvements in the lives of children and families across Leicestershire. With flexible working options and a commitment to accessible services, this role provides a rewarding environment for those dedicated to high-quality SEND practice.
Contact Detail:
Leicestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Case Manager SENA
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the SEND field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to SEND legislation and case management. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've supported colleagues in the past and contributed to service improvements. Highlighting these experiences can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Case Manager SENA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the Senior SENA Case Manager role. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page!
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge of SEND legislation and your experience with complex casework. We want to see how you’ve made a difference in previous roles, so give us the details!
Be Person-Centred:Remember, this role is all about supporting children and families. Share examples of how you’ve put their needs at the forefront of your work. It’s all about demonstrating that child-centred approach we value.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire County Council
✨Know Your SEND Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND legislation and the SEND Code of Practice. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them in practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led complex casework or supported colleagues in their development. Highlighting your experience in coaching and supervision will demonstrate your readiness for the leadership aspects of the role.
✨Practice Your Communication
Since this role involves a lot of formal meetings and presentations, it’s crucial to practice your communication skills. Think about how you would present information in a person-centred planning meeting or during a tribunal hearing.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusivity
Be ready to discuss how you’ve delivered accessible and inclusive services in the past. Showing that you share the council's values and commitment to all residents will set you apart as a candidate who truly understands the role.
