EDU - Post 16 Case Officer

We are currently seeking a dedicated and experienced Case Officer for one of our clients based in Chatham. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team and manage a caseload of young people with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). The role will involve providing guidance, support, and technical advice to young people and parent-carers, ensuring the smooth management and progression of cases.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the named officer for young people and parent-carers, providing advice on statutory procedures related to EHCPs (via written communication, telephone, and face-to-face support).
• Offer technical advice and support to young people regarding the annual review process for EHCPs.
• Manage a high caseload of Year 11+ students efficiently and effectively.
• Coordinate professional input for EHCP reviews, including multi-agency advice.
• Ensure the accurate transfer and incorporation of recommendations from professional reports into amended EHCPs.
• Arrange and hold annual review meetings for young people in non-maintained settings.
• Attend annual reviews for complex and phase transfer cases when required.
• Maintain clear communication with stakeholders and ensure accurate recording of interactions.
• Support young people while their EHCPs are in place.
• Prepare documents and liaise with schools/colleges for phase transitions for children and young people with EHCPs.
• Effectively use the SEN database in line with the council’s protocols to record SEND processes.
• Update and maintain accurate data for pupils with SEN in accordance with Medway SEN processes and requirements.
• Amend EHCPs following annual reviews within statutory timeframes.
• Liaise with other Local Authorities regarding the transfer of pupils with EHCPs into and out of Medway.
• Actively reduce the number of EOTAS (Education Other Than At School) cases for post-16 young people.
• Coordinate and finalize Post 16 transition plans, including case management and updates.
• Handle cases for pupils moving in and out of the area, including attending meetings and arranging professional consultations.
• Ensure up-to-date records in Synergy and participate in data cleansing activities.
• Work closely with providers, agencies, and parents to ensure timely and accurate communication regarding cases.
• Manage consultations for placements, follow up on responses, and update Synergy with outcomes.
• Maintain accurate student files and data records for each case.

Specific Post 16 Responsibilities:

• Ensure timely completion of annual reviews and respond to amendment decisions in the correct decision-making groups.
• Chair review meetings as required.
• Oversee phase transfers, including Year 11 to Year 12 and beyond, ensuring compliance with statutory guidelines.
• Present independent or special placement requests for post-16 students to the decision-making group.
• Work to end all EOTAS packages and high-cost independent settings, promoting general FE or cost-effective provisions.
• Ensure that young people no longer attending education or who have completed a full Level 3 qualification have reviews to cease their EHCP.
• Liaise with the Post 16 General Lead to prevent double funding (e.g., attending full-time education while claiming Universal Credit).
• Work directly with young people to guide them through the post-16 education journey and various routes out of education.
• Build strong relationships with social care and health partners to support transitions for education leavers unable to enter employment or higher education.
• Ensure accurate data updates in Synergy and case management systems for each young person.
• Understand the post-16 funding streams, qualifications, and study programmes, and how study hours are determined.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in case management, ideally within SEN or education.
• Knowledge of EHCPs and the statutory processes involved.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work with a variety of stakeholders, including young people, parents, schools, colleges, and other agencies.
• Experience in managing complex cases and adhering to statutory timeframes.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently, managing a caseload efficiently.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

If you meet the criteria and are looking for a challenging and rewarding role, please apply today!