At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs by conducting assessments and creating tailored plans.
- Company: St Helens Borough Council, a modernising council passionate about community and workforce.
- Benefits: Well-being support, financial benefits, learning opportunities, and a commitment to inclusion.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while being part of an ambitious change agenda.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and understanding of SEND legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are St Helens Borough Council located in the heart of the Northwest close to Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire. St Helens is a modernising Council which is passionate and ambitious for the children and families we support, our communities and our workforce. As part of our transformation journey, we continue to build on our progress and put children firmly at the centre of our care. We can only do this because of our highly valued, skilled, and supported workforce.
Working together, our workplace vision and values guide our organisation, and the contribution of our workforce is key to our culture journey. Employees with us receive a wide range of benefits including well-being in work, financial benefits, ways of working and learning and development support.
St Helens is seeking to attract a skilled and motivated person to join the Borough's SEND Service as SEND Casework Officer. You will be joining St Helens at an exciting time of change, and will be part of a team delivering on an ambitious change agenda.
As a SEND Casework Officer, you will be responsible for ensuring that the special educational needs of children and young people in the Borough are met by carrying out statutory assessments and drawing up Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), as well as ensuring that annual reviews of EHCPs are carried out and that appropriate action from the review recommendations are taken.
You will be a member of a multi-professional team, who work closely with parents, educational settings and professionals, across health and social care, to ensure that effective, appropriate and joined-up provision is made for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disability.
The successful applicant will have commitment, passion and enthusiasm as a champion for children with SEND and will have exceptional communication, negotiation and organisational skills and be able to influence practice at a senior level. A solid understanding of the Local Authority’s statutory responsibilities under the Children and Families Act (2014) is essential, alongside a robust understanding of the SEN Code of Practice (2014).
This Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure.
We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our organisation. The Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the job, as detailed on the Person Specification, and will, for qualifying disabled candidates, make reasonable adjustments within selection.
All Council employees are required to abide by the ethical standards embodied by the 7 Nolan Principles. St Helens Council is officially recognised as one of the region’s leading fair employers, achieving accredited status under the Liverpool City Combined Authority Fair Employment Charter. The Charter recognises the ongoing commitment to fair pay, secure work, training & progression & staff well-being whilst celebrating employers who go above and beyond for their workforce providing an inclusive and supportive environment.
SEND - Casework Officer - 1 x permanent / 2 x Temporary until 31/3/2027 in St Helens employer: St Helens Council
St Helens Council is an excellent employer for aspiring Early Years Practitioners, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises children's learning and development. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to high-quality education, employees can thrive in a nurturing environment while making a meaningful impact in the community. The council's focus on collaboration with teaching staff ensures that every practitioner is equipped to succeed in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND - Casework Officer - 1 x permanent / 2 x Temporary until 31/3/2027 in St Helens
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND - Casework Officer - 1 x permanent / 2 x Temporary until 31/3/2027 in St Helens
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Helens Council
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from St Helens Council.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show St Helens Council that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
