Hours: Full time 37hrs
Position Title: SEND Senior Case Officer
Grade: 11
Salary: £47,181 – £50,269 per annum
Unit: Children’s Services – SEND Team
About the Role
As a SEND Senior Case Officer, you will play a vital part in ensuring the Council meets its statutory responsibilities in relation to Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments and Plans (EHCPs). You will lead on complex casework, support continuous improvement within the service, and play a prominent role in tribunal and mediation processes. You will champion a person‑centred approach, working closely with children, young people, families, schools, health partners and social care to secure positive outcomes and promote inclusion.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the SEND Team Manager in the effective delivery and quality assurance of EHCP processes
* Manage a complex caseload, including writing EHCPs and coordinating statutory processes
* Lead on SEND Tribunal cases, representing the Local Authority as required
* Chair panels, including assessment and resource allocation panels
* Promote partnership working with education, health, social care, the voluntary sector and parent/carer forums
* Support service development, policy implementation and continuous improvement
* Deputise for the SEND Team Manager when required
* Embed safeguarding, equality, data protection and legislative requirements in practice
* Contribute to commissioning activity and ensure effective use of public funds
About You
* Significant experience working within SEND statutory services
* Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, statutory guidance and best practice
* Proven ability to manage complex cases and work confidently with families and professionals
* Experience of tribunal preparation and representation
* Excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills
* A relentless focus on improving outcomes and life chances for children and young people with SEND
* Demonstrable ability to lead and manage sensitive and complex conversations, including delivering difficult decisions and statutory outcomes, de‑escalating conflict, and supporting families and professionals through highly emotive situations, while maintaining a consistently professional, authoritative and child‑centred approach
* Proven experience of line managing and developing a team of SEND case officers, ensuring effective case oversight, consistency of decision‑making and continuous improvement in service delivery, in line with statutory and local authority requirements
What We Offer
* Competitive Local Government salary
* Flexi‑time scheme (by agreement)
* Professional development and training opportunities
* The opportunity to make a real difference to children and young people in Dudley
Additional Information
* This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check
* The Council is committed to equality, diversity and safeguarding
* Flexible working arrangements available
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