SEND Case Officer

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To coordinate and manage statutory Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) casework, ensuring Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessments, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and Annual Reviews are completed in accordance with relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and prescribed timescales. The postholder will act as the named SEND Case Officer for allocated children and young people, working collaboratively with families, educational settings, health professionals, social care practitioners, and partner agencies to secure positive outcomes and appropriate provision.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of children and young people undergoing EHC Needs Assessments, EHCP development, amendments, transfers, and Annual Reviews.
  
• Ensure all statutory SEND processes are completed accurately and within required timescales.
  
• Act as the named case officer for allocated children and young people with SEND.
  
• Build and maintain effective relationships with families, schools, educational settings, health services, social care teams, and partner agencies.
  
• Coordinate multi-agency contributions to EHC Needs Assessments and EHCP reviews.
  
• Gather, analyse and evaluate professional advice and supporting evidence from education, health and social care professionals.
  
• Draft, amend and maintain high-quality, person-centred and legally compliant EHCPs.
  
• Provide advice and guidance to parents, carers, schools and professionals regarding SEND legislation, procedures and statutory responsibilities.
  
• Arrange, facilitate and accurately record meetings related to SEND assessments, consultations and annual reviews.
  
• Monitor case progression and proactively manage workloads to ensure compliance with statutory deadlines.
  
• Maintain accurate case records and documentation using electronic case management systems.
  
• Produce reports, correspondence, performance information and statistical returns as required.
  
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and the continuous development of SEND processes and procedures.
  
• Support effective partnership working across education, health and social care services.
  
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
  
• Respond professionally and sensitively to enquiries, concerns and complaints from families and stakeholders.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant educational qualification.
  
• Experience working within SEND, Education, Local Authority, School, Educational Psychology, Inclusion, or EHCP-related services.
  
• Good understanding of:
  • Children and Families Act 2014
    
  • SEND Code of Practice
    
  • Education Health and Care Plan processes
    
  • SEND legislation and statutory responsibilities
    
• Experience coordinating complex caseloads and meeting statutory deadlines.
  
• Ability to analyse professional reports and information from multiple agencies.
  
• Experience producing clear, accurate and high-quality written documentation.
  
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise competing demands.
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
• Ability to work collaboratively with families, schools and multidisciplinary professionals.
  
• Strong IT skills and experience using case management systems, Microsoft Office and databases.
  
• Commitment to child-centred practice and achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.
  

Desirable

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Educational Qualification, SENCo Qualification, Educational Psychology background, or other relevant education qualification.
  
• Experience working within a Local Authority SEND Service.
  
• Experience chairing or facilitating meetings.
  
• Knowledge of mediation, dispute resolution and SEND Tribunal processes.
  
• Experience analysing performance data and contributing to service improvement initiatives.
  

Additional Information

• Hours per Week: 37 Hours
  
• Location: Hybrid Working / Office and Home Based
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments