At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Company: North Yorkshire Council, dedicated to inclusive futures for young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth and involvement in social care reforms.
- Why this job: Shape positive outcomes for children and young people in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND legislation and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 51356 £ per year.
Salary: £47,181 to £51,356 per annum
Grade: M
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Note - with ability to travel throughout the county
Be a part of shaping an inclusive future for children and young people in North Yorkshire. Are you an experienced Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) professional with a strong understanding of SEND legislation, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and statutory processes? Do you have the leadership skills to support and develop a high-performing team while championing positive outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities?
About the Service
We are seeking a SEND Casework Manager to lead a team of EHC Casework Officers and play a pivotal role in ensuring the Local Authority meets its statutory duties for children and young people aged 0–25 with SEND. This is an excellent opportunity to help deliver North Yorkshire’s Local Area SEND Strategy, working closely with colleagues, partners, young people and families to ensure there is sufficient, high‑quality provision that supports positive transitions into adulthood.
About the Role
As SEND Casework Manager, you will provide professional leadership, guidance and oversight to a team responsible for statutory SEND assessment, annual review and EHCP processes. You will ensure high-quality casework, compliance with statutory timescales and a child-centred approach that places children, young people and families at the heart of decision making. You will work collaboratively with schools, health colleagues, social care professionals, families and partner organisations to secure appropriate educational provision and positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The role also includes representing the Local Authority in mediation, dispute resolution and SEND Tribunal proceedings, as well as managing more complex casework and supporting the resolution of complaints and placement challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain team caseload oversight through robust supervision arrangements
- Prepare and coordinate local authority responses to appeals
- Compile and submit high‑quality evidence and documentation for tribunal hearings
- Liaise with parents/carers, legal representatives, schools and professionals
- Support preparation for hearings, mediations, and dispute resolution processes
- Ensure your team maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records on internal systems (e.g. Synergy)
- Ensure quality of casework is high and communication with stakeholders is effective
- Monitor and track case directions, orders and outcomes
- Work proactively to support early resolution of appeals where possible
- Take responsibility for the team’s performance against statutory timeframes and quality standards
- Ensure your team have a supportive induction programme and ongoing CPD to fulfil the functions of their roles
- Actively promote the emerging practice framework across Education and Inclusion Services
It is an exciting time in Children and Young Peoples Services in North Yorkshire as we plan our approach in respect of the Families First Partnership Programme and how we will be responding to the social care reforms. Work is underway to plan our approach and implementations for 2027. As a result of this, some realignment may happen with job roles in the future, we want to be transparent about this in respect of this role.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Helen Hodgson, Lead for SEND, via email at Helen.Hodgson@Northyorks.gov.uk
Key dates:
Closing Date: 13th September 2026
Interview Date: w/c 21st September 2026
Enhanced Level DBS Disclosure is required for appointment to this post. NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies. We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
SEND Casework Manager in Harrogate employer: the Service
Join our No Wrong Door team in Harrogate, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. We offer a supportive work culture with comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring you feel equipped to thrive in your role. With a focus on resilience and adaptability, you'll be part of a dedicated team committed to empowering children and young adults to achieve positive outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Casework Manager in Harrogate
✨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 the Service.
✨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 the Service!
✨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 the Service, 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 the Service 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 SEND Casework Manager in Harrogate
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 the Service:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to the Service! 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 the Service
✨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.
