At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage SEND casework and ensure accurate EHC Plan amendments for schools.
- Company: We Do Social Work Recruitment, supporting inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on positive outcomes for young people.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with SEND.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND roles and strong knowledge of SEND legislation.
The predicted salary is between 36450 - 44550 £ per year.
About the Role
We Do Social Work Recruitment are recruiting on behalf of a client for an experienced SEND Officer to support the effective management of statutory SEND casework. The SEND Officer will work closely with Senior SEND Officers to provide oversight and effective management of a cluster of schools, with responsibility for associated casework, annual reviews and amendments to Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans. This is a detail-focused role requiring a high level of professional knowledge, organisation and accountability. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring amendments to EHC Plans are accurate, legally compliant and completed within statutory timescales.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of annual reviews and associated SEND casework for an allocated cluster of schools.
- Review annual review paperwork, professional reports and advice to determine whether amendments to EHC Plans are required.
- Produce high-quality, concise and legally compliant EHC Plan amendments.
- Identify and obtain any missing information or professional advice required to support the review and amendment process.
- Ensure EHC Plans remain accurate, current and reflective of the child or young person's needs and provision.
- Prepare cases for panel consideration where required.
- Communicate effectively with families, schools and professionals throughout the amendment process.
- Discuss proposed changes and resolve issues prior to finalising EHC Plans.
- Ensure draft amendments are prepared and finalised within the required statutory timescales, including a maximum of eight weeks where applicable.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records and ensure all casework is completed to a consistently high standard.
- Work collaboratively with Senior SEND Officers and colleagues to ensure effective oversight and management of cases.
- Make fair, informed and evidence-based decisions in line with legislation, statutory guidance and relevant policies.
- Champion inclusion and promote positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Previous experience working as a SEND Officer or in an equivalent statutory SEND role.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of the SEND Code of Practice 2015 and Children and Families Act 2014.
- Extensive knowledge of the statutory EHC assessment and annual review processes.
- Proven experience producing high-quality, legally compliant EHC Plans and amendments.
- Ability to review professional reports and advice and accurately incorporate relevant information into EHC Plans.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage a caseload and prioritise competing demands.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
- Ability to work effectively within statutory and legal timescales.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with families, schools, colleagues and professionals.
- Ability to analyse evidence, problem-solve and make fair, informed and defensible decisions.
- A strong commitment to inclusion and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Key Attributes
- Experienced – with a strong understanding of statutory SEND processes and EHC Plans.
- Organised – able to effectively manage a caseload and prioritise work according to statutory deadlines.
- Detail-oriented – committed to accuracy, quality and legal compliance.
- Collaborative – able to build constructive relationships with families, schools and professionals.
- Decisive – confident in making balanced, evidence-based decisions.
- Solution-focused – able to identify issues, obtain appropriate information and find effective solutions.
- Inclusive – passionate about championing inclusion and achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for an experienced SEND professional who can hit the ground running and manage a busy caseload with confidence. You will need to demonstrate strong knowledge of statutory SEND legislation and processes, alongside the ability to produce high-quality EHC Plans and amendments.
You will be a confident communicator who can work effectively with families, schools and professionals, while maintaining accuracy, professionalism and a strong focus on meeting statutory deadlines.
SEND Officer - Interims employer: We Do Social Work
We Do Social Work is an excellent employer located in Altrincham, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where employees can thrive. With a focus on professional development and career progression, this role provides a unique opportunity to engage in diverse tasks while contributing to a growing specialist recruitment agency dedicated to making a difference in the public sector. Join us to build your skills and be part of a team that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Officer - Interims
✨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 SEND Officer - Interims
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.
