At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the SEND team by managing casework and ensuring compliance with educational regulations.
- Company: Join Wokingham Borough Council, a community-focused organization dedicated to improving children's outcomes.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, gym access, and lifestyle discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative SEND service that prioritizes vulnerable children and offers career growth.
- Qualifications: Must have 5 GCSEs, good IT skills, and an understanding of SEN legislation.
- Other info: This is a permanent, full-time role with a supportive team environment.
SEND Casework Assistant
Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £30,599 – £34,314 Per Annum, Plus Benefits
Location: Wokingham Borough Council
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 05/01/2025 at 23:00
Reference: 711786 and 711477
We have an exciting opportunity available for a SEND Casework Assistant to join our supportive SEND team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full time, permanent basis.
As the SEND Casework Assistant, you will play a key role in providing casework support to the SEND Team, enabling the front-line service to function efficiently and meet its statutory obligations in accordance with the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2015 and other related legislation, government guidelines and local policy.
This role will prioritise the statutory processes for vulnerable children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans, ensuring appropriate provision is identified without delays.
Benefits
Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:
A generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days (rising to 33 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays
An excellent local government pension scheme
An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline
A range of local & lifestyle discounts
Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)
Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes
And much more!
Why Wokingham?
In the past 12 months, our area SEND system has been strengthened and the ways we deliver our services have been transformed to better meet children’s needs.
Continuously improving children and young people’s outcomes are at the heart of what we do. To support this, we have recently invested in our SEND Service to increase capacity, training and career development opportunities to promote closer partnership working with children, young people and their families.
We have already recruited a number of new Officers to our SEND Service in January 2025, and it has never been a better time to join us and to be part of future successful story of Wokingham Borough Council’s ambitious SEND services.
Key responsibilities:
- Act as the first point of contact for all general SEND calls, dealing effectively with enquiries wherever possible, or referring to the relevant officer as required.
- Provide administrative support to the SEND team, primarily the SEND Case Officers
- Plan, organise and supervise allocated activities within procedural and regulatory framework
- Ensure individual care plans are implemented, and the personal and health care needs of service users are met, working within guidelines and procedures, and record service user progress.
- Liaise with carers, relatives, colleagues and other agencies to ensure good communication and service to users
Candidate requirements:
- Understanding of SEN legislation and procedures
- Minimum of 5 GCSE’s or equivalent
- Good IT skills, including word processing skills in Microsoft Office, and in database systems
- Understanding of schools as learning environments and roles and responsibilities of a LA
- Ability to write detailed and complex reports independently utilising information provided by both internal and external colleagues
Our Area
Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.
We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.
If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today!
Alternatively, for an informal discussion about the role please contact our recruitment team via email at
Closing date: Sunday 5th January 2025, 11pm
Interview date: TBC
Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.
If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.
Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided.
Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
Further information on this vacancy
- Job Description
SEND Casework Assistant employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Wokingham Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Casework Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2015 and other relevant legislation. Understanding these guidelines will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to supporting vulnerable children and young people.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in casework or administrative support roles, especially within educational settings. This will show that you have the practical skills needed to excel as a SEND Casework Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios involving communication with families and other agencies. Being able to articulate your approach to collaboration and problem-solving will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Wokingham Borough Council's recent initiatives and improvements in their SEND services. Showing that you are informed about their current projects and goals will demonstrate your genuine interest in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Casework Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the SEND Casework Assistant position. Familiarize yourself with the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2015 and relevant legislation.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your application to highlight your understanding of SEN legislation and your experience in administrative support. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to write detailed reports and manage casework effectively.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize your IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and database systems. Mention any experience you have working with vulnerable children or in educational settings, as this will strengthen your application.
Complete the Online Application Form: Ensure you fill out the online application form completely and accurately. Remember, Wokingham Borough Council does not accept CVs without a completed application form, so make sure to follow their instructions carefully.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wokingham Borough Council
✨Understand SEN Legislation
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Special Educational Needs (SEN) legislation and procedures. Be prepared to discuss how these laws impact your role as a SEND Casework Assistant and how you can ensure compliance in your work.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
Since good IT skills are essential for this position, be ready to demonstrate your proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems. You might be asked to provide examples of how you've used these tools in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and your approach to handling sensitive situations involving children and families. Think about past experiences where you successfully navigated similar challenges.
✨Communicate Effectively
As the first point of contact for SEND inquiries, strong communication skills are crucial. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be ready to explain how you would handle various types of inquiries from parents, carers, and colleagues.