Job Description: SEND Casework Officer

Teams: Primary, Secondary and Post-16
Contract: Permanent and Agency Opportunities

Job Purpose

We are seeking highly experienced and motivated Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Casework Officers to join our Statutory Assessment Teams across Primary, Secondary and Post-16 provision.

The successful candidates will have a minimum of two years’ experience working within a SEND Statutory Assessment Team, with extensive knowledge of SEND legislation, statutory assessment processes and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

You will be responsible for managing a substantial caseload of approximately 220 cases, ensuring statutory deadlines are met and that children and young people with SEND receive appropriate support in line with legislative requirements. You will work collaboratively with parents and carers, schools, educational settings and other professionals to ensure effective communication, robust case management and positive outcomes for children and young people.

We are also seeking officers with experience of overseeing Children Looked After (CLA) EHCP cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of approximately 220 children and young people with SEND, ensuring cases are progressed efficiently and in accordance with statutory requirements.

• Oversee the Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment process, ensuring compliance with the statutory 20-week assessment timeline.

• Coordinate and manage the EHCP Annual Review process, ensuring reviews are completed within required timescales and appropriate actions are taken following review meetings.

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive case records, ensuring all relevant documentation and correspondence are recorded on the designated case management system.

• Work collaboratively with parents and carers, schools, educational settings, health professionals, social care teams and other relevant stakeholders.

• Provide clear, timely and professional communication to families and professionals regarding assessments, EHCPs, annual reviews and case progression.

• Ensure all casework is undertaken in accordance with SEND legislation, statutory guidance, policies and procedures.

• Monitor case progress and prioritise workload effectively to meet statutory deadlines and service performance targets.

• Manage and oversee CLA EHCP cases where required, working closely with relevant professionals to ensure the educational needs of children looked after are appropriately addressed.

• Participate in regular supervision with a Senior SEND Officer, using feedback and guidance to support effective case management and continuous improvement.

• Review weekly performance data, taking responsibility for maintaining productivity, addressing outstanding actions and meeting agreed service expectations.

• Attend regular team meetings and contribute to a collaborative team environment, including face-to-face meetings with schools, parents and carers as required.

• Support colleagues through knowledge sharing, mentoring and buddying arrangements, particularly where experienced agency staff are required to support the development of newer team members.

Essential Experience and Knowledge

Candidates must demonstrate:

• A minimum of two years’ experience working within a SEND Statutory Assessment Team.

• Extensive working knowledge of SEND legislation, statutory guidance and relevant assessment procedures.

• Practical experience of managing the statutory 20-week Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment process.

• Proven experience of coordinating and overseeing EHCP Annual Reviews.

• Experience of managing a high-volume caseload and prioritising competing demands effectively.

• Experience of working directly with parents and carers, schools and a range of multidisciplinary professionals.

• Experience of maintaining accurate case records and ensuring statutory deadlines and performance targets are achieved.

• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider team.

• Experience of overseeing CLA EHCP cases is highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a substantial caseload.

• A sound understanding of statutory timescales, compliance requirements and casework procedures.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships with families and professionals.

• A proactive and solutions-focused approach to case management.

• The ability to work effectively under pressure and respond to changing priorities.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accurate and comprehensive records.

• A collaborative approach, with a willingness to share knowledge and support colleagues.

• A commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Systems Experience

Experience of using Synergy as a SEND case management and recording system would be an advantage. Candidates should be confident using electronic case management systems to record information, monitor case progression and maintain accurate records.

Working Arrangements and Expectations

This role operates within a collaborative, whole-team working model. Officers are expected to attend the office for a minimum of two days per week and undertake face-to-face contact with schools, parents and carers as required.

Regular supervision will be provided by a Senior SEND Officer, and weekly performance data will be shared to monitor caseload management, statutory compliance and overall performance.

Induction and training will be provided to all permanent and agency staff. However, agency candidates are expected to bring substantial SEND statutory assessment experience, demonstrate the ability to manage a demanding caseload and contribute positively from the outset. Experienced agency officers may also be expected to buddy up with colleagues who are developing their knowledge and experience of SEND casework.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for experienced SEND Casework Officers who can demonstrate strong statutory knowledge, effective caseload management and a commitment to delivering a responsive, child-centred service.

If you have the required statutory assessment experience, can work confidently within a high-volume casework environment and are committed to working collaboratively with families, schools and professionals, we welcome your interest in joining our Primary, Secondary or Post-16 SEND teams.