At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a SEND Case Officer, supporting children with special educational needs.
- Company: Surrey County Council is dedicated to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26-30 days of holiday, hybrid work, and lifestyle discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of children while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience with vulnerable children are essential.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants and a commitment to diversity.
The predicted salary is between 21400 - 21400 £ per year.
Job Description
The starting salary for these permanent, full-time positions is £35,730 per annum based on a 36-hour working week.
We are excited to be hiring six new SEND Case Officers to join our fantastic South East Surrey team, based in Reigate. This role is open to hybrid working and as a team we split our time between working from home and collaborating together in the office, where we are based for two days per week.
Rewards and Benefits
- 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Role
The service has undergone a rapid transformation and we are now looking for proactive individuals to join us in moving forward positively with continuous improvements; working towards robust and positive outcomes for some of our most vulnerable children and young people.
On a day-to-day basis you will work closely with the families of children with special educational needs and disabilities to ensure bespoke, holistic delivery plans are in place that best assist the child and their family to meet their needs.
Your reflective nature and passionate approach will see you driving forward improvements which will be delivered through high quality work. You'll be a clear and comprehensive communicator and through effective organisational skills, you'll ensure that we meet and look to push beyond our obligations.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be shortlisted to interview for this position your CV and personal statement will clearly evidence:
- Good knowledge of educational settings and a willingness to develop this further
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to write coherent reports
- Passion and experience of working with vulnerable/young children
- Ability to deal with complex case work
- Detail experience with challenging conversations
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 30/03/2025 with interviews to follow.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
- The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
- The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
SEND Case Officer employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Case Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) framework. Understanding the policies and practices in this area will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to supporting vulnerable children and their families.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have working with children or families, especially in educational settings. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've positively impacted a child's life or navigated complex situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills by engaging in role-play scenarios that mimic challenging conversations you might face in this role. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Surrey County Council's recent initiatives and transformations in the SEND service. Being knowledgeable about their current projects will show your genuine interest in the role and your proactive approach to continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Case Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the SEND Case Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and the skills required, such as communication and report writing, to tailor your application effectively.
Craft Your CV: Ensure your CV highlights relevant experience, particularly in educational settings and working with vulnerable children. Use clear examples that demonstrate your ability to handle complex case work and challenging conversations.
Write a Compelling Personal Statement: In your personal statement, express your passion for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities. Clearly articulate how your skills and experiences align with the role's requirements, focusing on your proactive approach and reflective nature.
Proofread and Submit: Before submitting your application, proofread all documents for clarity and coherence. Ensure that your CV and personal statement are free from errors and accurately reflect your qualifications. Submit your application through our website before the deadline.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Supporting Vulnerable Children
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with vulnerable children and young people during the interview. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your commitment and the positive impact you've made.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a SEND Case Officer, excellent communication is key. Prepare to discuss how you effectively communicate with families, colleagues, and other stakeholders. Consider role-playing challenging conversations to showcase your approach.
✨Highlight Your Knowledge of Educational Settings
Be ready to discuss your understanding of educational settings and how they relate to special educational needs and disabilities. Mention any relevant training or experiences that have deepened your knowledge in this area.
✨Prepare for Complex Case Work Scenarios
Anticipate questions about handling complex case work. Think of specific situations where you successfully navigated challenges and how you ensured positive outcomes for the children and families involved.