SEND Assessment and Review Caseworker – AR

Job Details

Job Description

Job Title

SEND Assessment and Review Caseworker

Directorate

Children’s Services

Service Area

SEND and Inclusion

Reports to

Senior Caseworker / Team Manager

Role Purpose

As a SEND Assessment and Review Caseworker, you will manage a caseload of children and young people aged 0–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) assessments, amendments and annual reviews are completed within statutory timescales.

You will act as the main point of contact for families, schools and partner agencies, coordinating the EHCP process from the issue of a final plan through ongoing reviews and amendments. The role requires strong case management, partnership working and knowledge of SEND legislation to ensure children and young people receive appropriate educational provision and support.

You will contribute to improving outcomes for children and young people by promoting inclusive education, person-centred planning and the Preparation for Adulthood agenda while ensuring the Local Authority meets its statutory responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage a busy caseload of children and young people with EHCPs, ensuring statutory deadlines are consistently achieved.
  • Coordinate EHCP annual reviews, amendments and reassessments from receipt of the final plan.
  • Organise, attend and contribute to annual review meetings and termly review meetings with schools, families and multi-agency professionals.
  • Build positive working relationships with parents, carers, schools, colleges and partner agencies to support effective communication and collaborative decision-making.
  • Review professional reports and evidence to determine whether amendments to EHCPs are required.
  • Draft, amend and issue Education, Health and Care Plans in line with statutory guidance and Local Authority procedures.
  • Monitor and progress cases involving EOTAS (Education Other Than At School), Elective Home Education (EHE) and young people who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
  • Present and progress cases through the SEND Panel process and communicate panel decisions clearly and sensitively to families.
  • Signpost families to appropriate support services and provide advice throughout the EHCP process.
  • Maintain accurate case records using electronic case management systems.
  • Ensure all work complies with the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and Local Authority policies.
  • Promote person-centred planning by ensuring the views, aspirations and outcomes of children, young people and families remain central to decision-making.
  • Support the implementation of new EHCP formats and contribute to continuous service improvement.
  • Work collaboratively across education, health and social care to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
  • Contribute to service performance by meeting statutory compliance targets and supporting quality assurance activities.
  • Undertake additional projects and deputise for senior colleagues when required.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

  • Managing a SEND caseload within a Local Authority or equivalent setting.
  • Experience of the statutory EHCP assessment and review process.
  • Completing EHCP annual reviews and coordinating multi-agency meetings.
  • Working with schools, parents and professionals to support children with SEND.
  • Managing competing priorities while meeting statutory deadlines.
  • Communicating SEND Panel decisions and supporting families through statutory processes.
  • Experience of cases involving EOTAS, Elective Home Education (EHE) and young people who are NEET.
  • Writing, reviewing and updating Education, Health and Care Plans.

Essential Knowledge

  • SEND Code of Practice (2015).
  • Children and Families Act 2014.
  • EHCP statutory processes and timescales.
  • Person-centred planning principles.
  • Preparation for Adulthood framework.
  • Multi-agency working within education, health and social care.
  • Basic understanding of SEND funding and Local Authority responsibilities.

Essential Skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication.
  • Strong organisational and case management skills.
  • Ability to prioritise a complex workload and meet statutory deadlines.
  • Professional report writing and document drafting.
  • Effective problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Relationship building and stakeholder management.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.
  • Ability to handle sensitive conversations with empathy and professionalism.

Personal Qualities

  • Organised and highly motivated.
  • Resilient and adaptable.
  • Collaborative team player.
  • Customer-focused and solution-oriented.
  • Reflective practitioner committed to continuous improvement.
  • Able to manage challenging situations calmly and professionally.

Qualifications

  • NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant subject, or significant demonstrable experience within SEND casework or a related field.

Working Requirements

  • Full-time position.
  • Frequent travel to schools, educational settings and partner agencies across the borough.
  • Full driving licence and/or access to suitable transport.
  • Laptop and mobile working equipment provided.