At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with Special Educational Needs by coordinating assessments and plans.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a Disability Confident Employer committed to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team dedicated to improving outcomes for young people.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families with SEND.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND or related fields, strong communication, and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
We are looking for a dedicated and experienced SEN Case Officer to join our Special Educational Needs Team.
This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) by coordinating Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessments and plans for children and young people aged 0–25.
Working closely with families, schools, colleges, health professionals and partner agencies, you will ensure statutory duties are met while delivering a person‑centred approach that focuses on achieving the best possible outcomes.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about SEND and committed to supporting children, young people and their families through complex and often life‑changing processes.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success.
Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role
As an SEN Case Officer, you'll play a vital role in ensuring children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities receive the support they need to thrive.
You'll coordinate Education, Health and Care assessments and plans, working collaboratively with families and professionals to ensure statutory requirements are met and positive outcomes are achieved.
Day‑to‑day, you'll
- Manage a caseload of children and young people aged 0–25 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
- Coordinate EHC needs assessments, annual reviews and plan amendments within statutory timescales.
- Draft high‑quality, outcome‑focused EHCPs that accurately reflect individual needs and aspirations.
- Build positive and trusting relationships with parents, carers, children and young people throughout the assessment and review process.
- Work closely with education, health and social care professionals to develop effective and holistic support plans.
- Facilitate and contribute to multi‑agency meetings, reviews and case discussions.
- Support the identification of suitable educational placements and consider home‑to‑school transport applications where required.
- Prepare reports and maintain accurate records to ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities and service requirements.
You'll also represent the SEND service at professional meetings and reviews, support tribunal and panel processes where required, and contribute to the continuous improvement of SEND provision across the service.
About you
We're looking for a knowledgeable and compassionate professional who is passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
You'll be confident managing a varied caseload, building strong stakeholder relationships and working in a fast‑paced environment where attention to detail and effective prioritisation are essential.
To be successful in this role, you'll bring
- Experience working within SEND, education, health or social care services.
- Experience of working directly with children, young people, parents and families.
- A good understanding of SEND legislation, including the Children and Families Act and SEND Code of Practice.
- Experience of effective multi‑agency working and partnership collaboration.
- Strong communication, negotiation and relationship‑building skills.
- Excellent written skills with the ability to produce clear, accurate and high‑quality documentation.
- The ability to analyse complex information and make sound, evidence‑based decisions.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to meet competing deadlines and statutory timescales.
- Good IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office applications.
Most importantly, you'll be someone who can balance professionalism with empathy, working collaboratively with families and partner agencies while always keeping the needs of children and young people at the heart of your decision‑making.
You'll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability.
As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you'll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success.
Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this
Work Together as one team
Work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
Drive Efficiency
Show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency.
Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
Be Ambitious
Be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
Make a Difference to Reading
Maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across.
Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you'll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 30 days after 5 years' service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
SEN Case Officer - Full-time in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Whitley Park Primary and Nursery School is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive community where educators can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive work culture, teachers are encouraged to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a collaborative environment with dedicated colleagues. Located in a welcoming area, this school prioritises the welfare of its staff and students, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to grow and succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Case Officer - Full-time in Reading
✨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 Reading Borough 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 Reading Borough 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 Reading Borough 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 Reading Borough 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 SEN Case Officer - Full-time in Reading
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 Reading Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Reading Borough 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 Reading Borough 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.
