SEND Casework Officer

Overview

We’re looking for a committed SEND Caseworker to support cared for and vulnerable children and young people with SEND across Torbay. The role involves managing statutory EHC assessments, plans and reviews, working closely with social care, education, health professionals and carers to ensure plans are timely, lawful and outcome focused. It includes complex SEND casework, placement planning for cared for pupils who reside outside the locality, arranging and attending annual reviews and close multi‑agency working within the Virtual School, Vulnerable Pupils service and other Local Authorities.

• Manage statutory EHC assessments, plans and reviews.
• Work collaboratively with social care, education, health professionals and carers.
• Handle complex SEND casework and placement planning.
• Arrange and attend annual reviews.
• Maintain close multi‑agency working through the Virtual School, Vulnerable Pupils service and other Local Authorities.

• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and the SEND Code of Practice.
• Experience working with children and young people with SEND.
• Excellent communication, organisational and report writing skills.
• Confidence managing complex cases and meeting statutory deadlines.
• Significant decision‑making and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to analyse information, draw conclusions and effect judgements based on outcomes and risk.
• Ability to deal with difficult and challenging situations with tact and sensitivity.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues and partners across agency boundaries.
• Ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines and utilise resources appropriately.

• Comprehensive understanding of current legislation and DfE guidance on special educational needs.
• Broad understanding of general developments in educational assessment and intervention.
• Knowledge of schools as systems and of legislation and procedures relating to assessment and provision for children with special educational needs.
• Understanding of the implications of emerging changes to legislation relating to special educational needs.

• Educated to degree level.
• Evidence of continued professional development.
• Experience working with young people and children with special educational needs.
• Demonstrated evidence of applying an evidence‑based practice approach.
• Experience of working under pressure and making robust evidence‑based decisions.

Fixed term of 12 months from the start date. Term‑time working with the salary pro‑rated accordingly. Salary: £39,152 – £41,771 per year.

Ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

The post will require an Enhanced Criminal Record Check and a Barred List Check.