Job title: SEN Casework Officer – Post 16
Salary: £38,220 – £40,777 (FTE)
Hours: 28 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Merrion House / Hybrid
About the Role
As a SEN Casework Officer you will unlock the talent and potential of children and young people by enabling their full participation in education, whatever challenges they face. You bring creativity and passion to your work with young people and their families, involve them in conversations and decisions, and work productively with partners who share your ambition for all young people to achieve their full ability.
You will be a key team member within our Special Educational Needs Statutory Assessment and Provision (SENSAP) service, ensuring children and young people with complex SEND access the support required to fulfil their potential under the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Regulations 2014.
Responsibilities
* Act as the named officer for a caseload of children and young people, fulfilling statutory EHC assessment, plans and reviews obligations.
* Provide flexible support across the service, collaborating with other services to deliver holistic assessment and coordinated processes.
* Make independent judgements on complex SEND cases, engaging families and young people to influence assessments, provision and learning outcomes.
* Ensure statutory EHC procedures are administered in line with the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice 2015.
* Write and amend EHC plans, maintain quality assurance and support local and national standards.
* Serve as a liaison with schools, agencies and the Public Sector to manage transfers, placements and additional funding (e.g., FFI). Organise and chair restorative conciliation and multi‑agency meetings to resolve complaints and appeals.
* Represent Leeds City Council in the EHC plan review process, submit responses to parliamentary and legal inquiries, and provide information and training to stakeholders.
* Maintain records, data systems and comply with health and safety, equality and diversity policies.
* Engage in continuing professional development and undertake performance reviews and other duties as required by senior leadership.
Qualifications and Experience
* Relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification (social work, youth work, teaching) or proven experience in a similar role.
* Ability to analyse, interpret and summarise multi‑agency reports.
* Strong communication, mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
* Sound knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice 2015, Children and Families Act 2014 and related legislation.
* Demonstrated judgement in identifying and providing appropriate provision for children and young people with SEND.
* Experience working with children and families in education or social care settings.
* Proficiency in ICT and the ability to travel across the city for school and home visits.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
* Clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
* Range of staff benefits to support wellbeing and financial wellbeing.
How to Apply
Please complete the online application form. For further advice, read our guidance and ensure you complete all sections before submitting.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, contact Rhena Khan, SENSAP Lead at rhena.khan@leeds.gov.uk.
All applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check against the children’s or adults’ barred list and will be checked under the ex‑offender policy.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced people.
To be eligible for sponsorship you must meet the UK right to work requirements. If you do not have the right to work, you must consider sponsorship options before applying.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Leeds City Council is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds. We ensure a fair, transparent and unbiased recruitment process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr