Case Officer

Within Children's Services, we are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Our SEND service places collaboration, inclusion and the voice of the child and family at the heart of everything we do. You will work alongside dedicated professionals across education, health and social care in a supportive environment that values professional judgement, continuous learning and reflective practice. We recognise the challenge and importance of SEND work and are committed to supporting staff to deliver high-quality, timely and child-centred services that make a meaningful difference., We are seeking an experienced and motivated Case Officer to join our SEND Team within Children's Services. This is a key role supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring statutory processes are delivered effectively, on time, and with the child at the centre of everything we do. As a Case Officer, you will take responsibility for managing caseloads for pupils undergoing statutory assessment and those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). You will work closely with families, schools, education settings and partners across health and social care to ensure high-quality outcomes for children and young people with SEND. You will be responsible for coordinating the statutory assessment process from referral through to completion, ensuring compliance with statutory timescales and legislative requirements.,

• Manage SEN casework from initial referral through statutory assessment to the issuing and review of EHCPs
• Draft, amend and finalise high-quality Education, Health and Care Plans
• Maintain regular, effective communication with parents, carers, schools, education settings and multi-agency partners
• Attend and contribute to annual, interim and emergency reviews
• Provide advice and guidance to schools and settings on statutory assessment processes
• Prepare reports and papers for panels and contribute to decisions on provision and placement
• Monitor educational outcomes and the use of SEN funding within schools
• Support tribunal processes where required
• Promote safeguarding and follow child protection procedures as appropriate
• Contribute to service development, policy implementation and training deliver
  
  You will have:
• Significant experience of SEN statutory assessment processes and EHCPs
• Strong written skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate and legally compliant plans and reports
• The ability to work effectively with families and a wide range of professionals across education, health and social care
• Excellent organisational skills, capable of managing competing priorities and statutory timescales
• Knowledge of SEND legislation, guidance and best practice
• A commitment to equality, inclusion and safeguarding children and young people
• Demonstrable ability to manage sensitive and difficult conversations, including delivering challenging information, resolving conflict and supporting families through highly emotive situations, while maintaining professionalism and a child-centred focus.
  
  Top tip when applying - As we've got a new recruitment system the application process has changed a little and we hope you'll like it!
You'll first need to register and create a profile the first time you apply. Creating your profile will enable you do things such as track your application progress, view emails you've received from us and manage communication preferences, manage your interview bookings and offer information if successful. About Dudley Council It's an incredibly exciting time to work in Dudley Council as we embark on numerous multi-million pound regeneration schemes which will be real game-changers for the borough. In addition to the exciting schemes such as the Midland Metro we also have the ongoing and very serious challenges of ensuring vulnerable people across the borough receive the services they deserve. At Dudley Council we have a 'one council' ethos that builds an effective and dynamic organisation which grows the economy and creates jobs, creating a cleaner and greener place and supports stronger and safer communities. We are rightly proud to be the historic capital of the Black Country and, working with our partners, Dudley Council is also committed to looking forward and helping to deliver our borough vision of 'Forge a Future for all' www.dudleyboroughvision2030.org.uk We ensure communities influence council decisions and are committed to delivering services in partnership with communities. We provide flexible and responsive service in partnership and help communities help themselves. In joining a local authority that serves 320,000 residents you will become an integral part of a council that:
• is ready to embrace change, providing an environment in which you will be encouraged to make your mark
• is aware of its key challenges and the need for a new energy to innovate the council, in order to find cost effective ways of delivering services
• has aligned its political and managerial leadership structures and is committed to protecting, securing and transforming the lives of children, families, the vulnerable and older people
• wants borough residents to have their say through our community forums
• dedicates time to meaningful consultation and listen to the views of our residents
• is working with the community to encourage active involvement of our residents