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- Tasks: Support children with SEND by developing tailored Education Health Care Plans and managing caseloads.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in a supportive local authority environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong commitment to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in social work or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Full time
Package: Fixed term - Secondment cover until 1 April 2027
Leave: 27 days annual leave per annum, rising to 32 days per annum after 5 years' service
Work style: Flexible Worker
Location: Town Hall offices, Weston-super-Mare
The Role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced SEND Officer to join our SEND Team. The team is responsible for ensuring the Local Authority’s statutory duties towards individual children and young people with SEND are met.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess the needs and provisions of children and young people and develop Education Health Care Plans to meet their needs, managing a complex caseload of service users.
- Serve as the named officer for an allocated area or designated caseload (including out‑of‑authority schools), providing a professional, effective, responsive and supportive service to children/young people, parents, schools, early years settings, and FE providers.
- Be involved in direct service delivery, including more complex cases and the development of service improvements within an integrated service plan.
- Provide support and advice to identified groups or individuals as detailed within the plans and implement or commission planned interventions to address identified needs following professional standards.
- Take a role in developing a range of specific services related to SEND legislation with clearly identified outcomes linked to an overall service plan.
- Support tribunal and top‑up funding processes as directed.
- Liaise collaboratively with SEND officers and caseworkers to improve service standards and achieve service delivery.
- Work in partnership with service users and other agencies to develop and implement multi‑agency services and initiatives, establishing and maintaining appropriate links between users and professionals.
This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Valid driving licence and own transport, or the ability to provide an alternative suitable method of travel, is an essential condition for this role.
About You
- Vocational qualification or experience to Degree Level or above, relevant to the service user group or equivalent experience providing the same level of knowledge required for the role.
- Approved professional qualification relevant to the area of work and practical experience of working with service user groups, giving a thorough understanding of the principles, legal responsibilities, work practices and processes.
- Knowledge and understanding of the SEND Code of Practice.
- Experience of supervising others’ work.
- Ability to analyse areas of work and decide how to improve them.
- Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding protocols and threshold levels for service users’ groups, and ability to investigate and follow up on potential issues.
- Ability to engage with service users and partner agencies within the relevant codes of practice values (dignity, respect, etc.).
- Ability to manage and organise own work and that of others to meet agreed deadlines.
- Understanding and recognition of professional and personal boundaries.
- Full UK driving licence and availability of own car for work use or ability to provide alternative suitable travel method.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Inclusive staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
- Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
- Dedicated in‑house Wellbeing Team.
- Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.
Equal Opportunity
We are committed to equality of opportunity and to preventing discrimination irrespective of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.
Safeguarding Commitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Social Worker, Community Team North employer: Somerset Government
Contact Detail:
Somerset Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker, Community Team North
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about openings in SEND roles. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren't even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in SEND legislation and best practices. We want you to show off your knowledge and passion for the role, so brush up on your understanding of the SEND Code of Practice!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your experience with complex cases during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've managed challenging situations and improved service delivery – this will really make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker, Community Team North
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of a SEND Officer. We want to see how your skills can directly benefit our team and the children we serve.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant qualifications and experiences! Whether it’s your understanding of the SEND Code of Practice or your ability to manage complex cases, let us know how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. This helps us get a quick grasp of your suitability for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset Government
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and any relevant legislation. Being able to discuss specific cases or examples from your experience will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but you can apply it in real-world situations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Social Worker, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with service users, parents, and other professionals. This will demonstrate your ability to build relationships and work collaboratively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations involving children and young people with SEND. Think through potential scenarios and how you would assess needs, develop plans, and implement interventions. This will help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Managing a complex caseload is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks, manage deadlines, and ensure that all service users receive the support they need. Sharing specific tools or methods you use to stay organised can also impress your interviewers.