At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage EHCP assessments and support children with special educational needs.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a commitment to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of children and families with SEND.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and strong knowledge of SEND regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced and motivated EHCP Casework Officer to join a busy team supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong knowledge of the Education, Health and Care (EHC) statutory process, excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a complex caseload while working collaboratively with families, schools and professionals.
The Role
As an EHCP Casework Officer, you will manage the statutory elements of Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments and Annual Reviews, alongside associated casework for children and young people with complex additional needs. Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing a caseload of children and young people through EHC Needs Assessments and Plans.
- Drafting, developing and amending EHCPs to ensure they are accurate, person-centred and compliant with statutory requirements.
- Preparing and presenting cases to panels and implementing panel decisions.
- Facilitating and attending co-production and Annual Review meetings.
- Working closely with parents, carers, children and young people, schools, education, health and social care professionals and other agencies.
- Negotiating appropriate educational provision and placements.
- Identifying, negotiating and resolving issues arising from complex casework and multi-agency working.
- Maintaining accurate case management records and ensuring statutory processes and deadlines are met.
- Responding to consultations and progressing appropriate provision and placements.
- Supporting complaints, legal processes, mediation and SEND Tribunal matters where required.
- Contributing to the development of effective SEND practices and delivering training or information to schools, families and professionals where appropriate.
About You
We are looking for a highly organised and confident professional who can manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure. You will ideally have:
- A degree-level qualification or equivalent.
- GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths, plus a Level 3 qualification.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, SEND Regulations and Children and Families Act, including statutory EHC timescales.
- An understanding of the needs and experiences of children and young people with SEND and their families.
- Experience working within a busy team and independently using your own initiative.
- Experience managing tight deadlines, competing priorities and a substantial caseload.
- Experience facilitating multi-agency meetings.
- Experience working with families and professionals across education, health and social care.
- Experience writing person-centred plans and high-quality reports.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to empathise, negotiate, challenge and mediate appropriately.
- Strong administrative and IT skills, including experience using Microsoft applications.
- The ability to build effective and professional relationships with children, young people, families and partner agencies.
Experience working specifically as a SEN Casework Officer, or experience working with children and young people with SEND, would be advantageous.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking someone who is:
- Child and family focused.
- Highly organised and able to prioritise effectively.
- Confident managing complex casework.
- A strong communicator and relationship builder.
- Comfortable facilitating multi-agency discussions.
- Able to work independently while contributing positively to a wider team.
- Flexible and able to respond to changing priorities.
- Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Dedicated to delivering a high-quality service for children, young people and their families.
Safeguarding
A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is essential for this role. If you have the experience and expertise required to make a positive difference to children and young people with SEND, we would love to hear from you.
SEN Casework Officer in Altrincham employer: We Do Social Work
We Do Social Work is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. As a Social Work Assistant in the Children & Families team, you will benefit from ongoing training and professional growth opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in a vibrant area, our organisation values flexibility and encourages a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those passionate about social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Casework Officer in Altrincham
✨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 We Do Social Work.
✨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 We Do Social Work!
✨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 We Do Social Work, 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 We Do Social Work 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 Casework Officer in Altrincham
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 We Do Social Work:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to We Do Social Work! 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 We Do Social Work
✨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.
