At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Company: Join North Yorkshire's Children and Young People's Services for an inclusive future.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, pension scheme, fitness discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND services and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Be a part of shaping an inclusive future for children and young people in North Yorkshire. Are you an experienced SEND professional with a strong understanding of SEND legislation, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and statutory processes? Do you have the leadership skills to support and develop a high‑performing team while championing positive outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities? We are seeking a SEND Casework Manager to lead a team of EHC Casework Officers and play a pivotal role in ensuring the Local Authority meets its statutory duties for children and young people aged 16–25 with SEND.
About the Role
As SEND Casework Manager, you will provide professional leadership, guidance and oversight to a team responsible for statutory SEND assessment, annual review and casework. You will ensure high‑quality casework, compliance with statutory timescales and a child‑centred approach that places children and young people at the heart of decision making. You will work collaboratively with schools, health colleagues, social care professionals, families and partner organisations to secure appropriate educational provision and positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The role also includes representing the Local Authority in mediation, dispute resolution and SEND Tribunal proceedings, as well as managing more complex casework and supporting the resolution of complaints and system challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain team caseload oversight through robust supervision arrangements
- Prepare and coordinate local authority responses to appeals
- Compile and submit high quality evidence and documentation for tribunal hearings
- Liaise with parents/carers, legal representatives, schools and professionals
- Support preparation for hearings, mediations, and dispute resolution processes
- Ensure your team maintain accurate and up to date records on internal systems (e.g. Synergy)
- Ensure quality of casework is high and communication with stakeholders is effective
- Monitor and track case directions, orders and outcomes
- Work proactively to support early resolution of appeals where possible
- Take responsibility for the team’s performance against statutory timeframes and quality standards
- Ensure your team have a supportive induction programme and ongoing CPD to fulfil the functions of their roles
- Actively promote the emerging practice framework across Education and Inclusion Services
Essential Experience & Knowledge
- Strong understanding of SEND legislation and the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and in particular Education other than at school
- Experience of working within SEND services or a similar environment
- Ability to manage complex casework and analyse detailed information
- Knowledge of education legislation and SEND processes
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
- Ability to interpret and present complex information clearly
- Confidence working with a wide range of professionals and stakeholders
It is an exciting time in Children and Young Peoples Services in North Yorkshire as we plan our approach in respect of the Families First Partnership Programme and how we will be responding to the social care reforms. Work is underway to plan our approach and implementations for 2027. As a result of this, some realignment may happen with job roles in the future, we want to be transparent about this in respect of this role.
Why Join us?
- Generous Annual Leave: 28 days of holiday (pro‑rate), increasing to 34 days after 5 years’ service – plus public holidays.
- Pension Scheme: Save for your future with our generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Fitness Discounts: Discounted Gym memberships at various gyms across the county.
- Lifestyle Savings: Enjoy a wide range of discounts at hundreds of popular high‑street and online retailers.
- And more: Additional wellbeing support, employee assistance, and development opportunities.
Ready to make a difference? Join us and help shape positive futures for children and young people with SEND across our communities. We look forward to exploring your interest and receiving your application. If you would like more information about this role, please contact Helen Hodgson, Lead for SEND, via email at helen.hodgson@northyorks.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Casework Manager - Post 16 in Northallerton
✨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 North Yorkshire 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 North Yorkshire 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 North Yorkshire 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 North Yorkshire 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 Casework Manager - Post 16 in Northallerton
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 North Yorkshire Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to North Yorkshire 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 North Yorkshire 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.
