SEND Case Worker

We have a wonderful opportunity to join our teams in East Dorset and Purbeck localities.

You'll undertake a range of duties in line with the statutory requirements of the Children and Families Act 2014 including case work and statistical work around SEN policy in liaison with SEND Provision Leads and SEND Team Managers.

You'll support Provision Leads with a case load of pupils and students with special educational needs and disabilities (aged 0 - 25) and work will include (but isn't limited to):

• processing EHC needs assessment requests including collating all professional advice and parental information for an allocated case load


• provide, secure and advise on accurate and timely advice and information to parents, professionals and panels.


• co-facilitate meetings with young people, parents, and schools to begin the statutory processes and act as a key worker where appropriate.


• co-facilitate multi-agency meetings to produce the Education Health and Care Plans of individual children and young people.


• Work proactively with parents and carers of children with SEND and liaise with schools, colleges, Early Years settings and other service and agencies as appropriate.
  
  The post holder will be able to demonstrate:


• considerable experience of working within an area of statutory regulations and applying local policy, preferably in a SEN related area, or demonstrate the ability to learn to do this


• the necessary in-depth knowledge (or have the ability to develop) and understanding of SEN legislation in order to undertake the role effectively


• excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to provide great customer service under what can sometimes be very difficult circumstances


• flexibility as the workload of the post will vary and at certain times of the year can be vast and requires the team to use the flexi-system to work additional hours to enable the post holder to meet agreed deadlines


• a knowledge of (or ability to develop the knowledge of) the legislative framework and procedures for the assessment of children and young people with special educational needs


• the ability to work within tight deadlines and work schedules with conflicting priorities without compromising accuracy, where the nature of a task may change at short notice


• a good standard of numeracy and written literacy skills


• experience of working in a complex organisation


• a proven background of using word processing and spreadsheet computer packages with the ability to present timely information in a user-friendly and understandable format to all levels of staff
  
  Are you seeking a rewarding career in Children's Services? Be part of designing social work for the future.


Join our exceptional teams in children's services, where you'll be fully supported and appreciated throughout your career - whether you're newly qualified, or an experienced practitioner. In Dorset, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where every child can thrive, and we want our colleagues to do the same.

At the heart of our program is a commitment to support outcomes that matter - fostering environments where children, young people, and families not only stay together but thrive. We're dedicated to providing the essential help they need, ensuring they are surrounded by the support of their family network, and creating safe spaces both inside and outside their homes.

What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to ensuring children in care and care leavers find stable, loving homes. This isn't just a job; it's a chance to make a lasting impact on the future of those who need it most.

We take immense pride in leading the way nationally, pioneering ground-breaking initiatives that have garnered recognition from the government. Join a team of dedicated professionals in Children's Services who, in recent months and years, have set new standards in their commitment to the well-being of children and families.

Here at Dorset Council, you won't just be an employee - you'll be a vital contributor to a legacy of positive change. Be a part of a community that values your skills, appreciates your passion, and recognises the difference you can make. Join us in creating a brighter future for children, young people, and families. Your journey towards meaningful work starts here.

In July this year, the Department for Education officially announced the Families First for Children Pathfinder. Dorset has been recognised for the fantastic work with children, young people and families taking place by being selected to be one of only three initial pathfinder sites nationally, testing the delivery of key reforms across the sector. This is a fantastic opportunity and comes with central government grant funding and support which recognises the scale and ambition of the work we need to carry out. Find out more here:

Our focus is on supporting families to meet the needs of their children and keeping children at home where it is safe to do so. You'll find a variety of exciting challenges, working with our children, families, and partners, in a workplace that inspires you to grow professionally and personally.

As part of our model, we have developed multi-agency locality teams bringing together colleagues from across Early Help, Children's Social Care, Educational Psychology, SEND and Inclusion services under the leadership of Heads of Locality and Strategy.

Join us and be part of our exceptional Children's Services team, recently recognised as Good with Outstanding Leadership by Ofsted. This is not just a job; it's an extraordinary opportunity to empower children and help them reach their full potential. With Pathfinder, we will be changing the way Social Care and how working with families is approached in Dorset and helping to shape this across the country.

As a SEND Provision Case Worker here in Dorset, you'll truly make a difference to the lives of children and young people in our beautiful county.

We prioritise your wellbeing by offering access to talking therapies, a network of Mental Health Champions, and workshops facilitated by our dedicated Employee Wellbeing Team.

You'll join a forward-thinking service, where you'll be encouraged to think creatively, question how we do things, and devise new, innovative approaches through our 'Diagonal Slice' initiative - our Children's Services' employee forum.

Our innovative model of working, Dorset Children Thrive, will support you to be part of a service that:

• Puts children and families at the heart of everything we do


• Focuses on 'getting it right first time' by providing early help


• Makes services easily accessible for all


• Develops a skilled, supported and confident workforce


• Provides quality and efficient services that meet the highest standards


• Measures success by how we have made life better for children and young people


Find out more about Children's Services in Dorset: Jobs in Children's Services - Dorset Council.

What our people say:

"Dorset is a great place for children to thrive - I am very proud to be part of an organisation that recognises the strengths of our staff and the creativity we have in achieving great outcomes for our children, young people and families."

"It was great to feel listened to about the big issues and developments within Children's Services".

"I am proud of the service I work in for their commitment to children and young people, working hard to collaborate with colleagues and agencies to achieve good outcomes."

Dorset Council: A great place to work

We're passionate about making Dorset a great place to live, work and visit. Working for us should be no exception.

At Dorset Council we:

• provide more than 450 services to over 300,000 residents


• have ambitious aspirations


• are excited about our future


• care about Dorset and all the people who live here


• know that all roles make a difference and that our employees are key to our success

You will:

• have access to a range of employee benefits


• be part of an organisation that supports each other to grow and succeed


• have access to range of training opportunities which will help with your personal development and career progression


We are challenging ourselves to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation. We recognise that recruitment and inclusion of individuals with diverse skills, perspectives and backgrounds will bring real strength to the council and our communities. We have a commitment to equality and welcome applications from everyone.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We offer an interview to everyone who declares a disability and meets the essential criteria for the role.

We are keen to make our interviews accessible. Let us know on your job application if you have a disability and need any reasonable adjustments.

We also look for applicants who share our commitment to our behaviours. We will ask you to evidence when you have demonstrated them as part of the selection process.

A generous relocation package is payable, of which up to £8,000 (of HMRC eligible elements) are free of tax. We can offer you help to move whether you are looking to buy or rent, depending on your circumstances.

Our package includes:

• an initial advance of up to £2,500 payable when you start


• help towards fees associated with buying/selling (up to £6,500)


• an option to receive help towards your rent or mortgage in the first two years