Job Details

Complex Case Officer

Rate: £250 per day (To be confirmed)
Working Arrangement: Fully Remote
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:45am–5:00pm; Friday 8:45am–4:00pm

Job Purpose

To manage complex, sensitive and escalated SEN/EHCP Annual Review cases, particularly where the review outcome is disputed, unclear or requires significant amendments to a child or young person’s provision.

The postholder will take ownership of complex cases from the Annual Review decision through to the production of amended or final plans, working closely with parents and carers, schools, SENCOs, providers and other professionals. The role will also involve presenting complex cases to panel and providing clear evidence and recommendations regarding placement, funding and specialist provision.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of complex and escalated SEN/EHCP Annual Review cases.
• Take ownership of cases where parents, schools or settings dispute the proposed review outcome.
• Assess and progress requests for specialist, alternative or out-of-county placements.
• Review recommendations where there are significant changes to a child’s or young person’s SEN provision.
• Coordinate cases from Annual Review decisions through to amended or final EHCPs.
• Ensure decisions and amendments are accurately recorded and progressed within required timescales.
• Prepare complex cases, recommendations and supporting evidence for Review/Resource/Complex Case Panels (RCP).
• Present and explain complex cases and proposed outcomes to panel members.
• Provide evidence and justification for funding uplifts, placement changes and specialist provision.
• Liaise with parents and carers, particularly where there is disagreement or potential escalation.
• Work closely with schools, SENCOs, educational settings, providers and relevant professionals.
• Consider professional advice and evidence when determining appropriate provision and outcomes.
• Communicate complex SEN/EHCP decisions clearly and sensitively to families and other stakeholders.
• Manage expectations and seek to resolve disagreements wherever possible.
• Identify potential areas of dispute and work proactively to reduce unnecessary escalation to tribunal.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive case records and ensure all actions are appropriately documented.
• Work in accordance with relevant SEND legislation, statutory guidance, local policies and procedures.
• Contribute to a consistent, legally compliant and child-centred Annual Review service.

Key Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Significant experience working within SEN/SEND, EHCP or education casework.
• Experience managing complex or disputed Annual Review cases.
• Strong knowledge of the EHCP process and SEND statutory framework.
• Experience working with parents, schools, SENCOs and multi-agency professionals.
• Experience considering specialist and/or out-of-county placement requests.
• Ability to analyse professional reports and complex case information.
• Experience preparing cases for and/or presenting cases to panels or decision-making forums.
• Understanding of funding, provision and placement considerations within SEND.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong case management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to handle sensitive and potentially challenging conversations with parents and professionals.
• Strong decision-making, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and work within statutory deadlines.

Key Stakeholders

• Parents and carers
• Children and young people
• Schools and SENCOs
• Special schools and educational settings
• Local authority SEN/SEND teams
• Education providers
• Social care and health professionals
• Educational psychologists and other specialist professionals
• Internal panels and decision-makers
• Other local authorities and external agencies

Core Competencies

Case Management: Ability to take ownership of complex cases and progress them through to resolution.

SEND Knowledge: Strong understanding of SEN/EHCP processes, Annual Reviews and relevant statutory requirements.

Stakeholder Management: Ability to build effective relationships with families, schools and professionals, including in situations of disagreement.

Analysis and Decision-Making: Ability to evaluate complex evidence and make clear, well-supported recommendations.

Communication: Ability to explain complex decisions and sensitive information clearly and professionally.

Conflict Resolution: Ability to manage disputes, negotiate appropriate outcomes and reduce unnecessary escalation.

Panel Presentation: Confidence in preparing and presenting complex cases, recommendations and funding/placement proposals to panels.

Organisation: Ability to manage a complex caseload, meet deadlines and maintain accurate case records.