Wakefield Special Educational Needs Assessment and Review Team (SENART) have an opportunity to recruit a Special Educational Needs Casework Officer to add to their existing team. The role is a position within the team that has responsibility for implementation and management of the statutory processes and procedures and their outcomes, in accordance with the legislative requirements of the Education, Health and Care Plans.
This role is to manage a large and challenging caseload of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHC Plans) whilst providing an excellent customer service role to parents, partners, school SENCOs and all stakeholders involved. Aspects of the role include ensuring that all appropriate actions relating to statutory requirements are met, producing Education, Health and Care Plans following the receipt of professional education, health and care advice, carrying out statutory meetings to ensure that these plans are co-produced in liaison with parents and to produce amended plans following annual review meetings.
The role also requires the postholder to provide statutory advice to schools, parents and their representatives, training as required to various professionals and to ensure that an excellent level of customer service is delivered.
It is essential for the postholder to be able to prioritise a heavy and varied workload whilst remaining calm when working under pressure. An extensive knowledge of the SEN legislation and statutory procedures will be required, in particular an understanding of legislation and processes relating to the Children & Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015.
Applicants have the opportunity of joining an effective team with a strong track record of meeting Wakefield Council’s commitment to those that are vulnerable and in need. Duties of the post are many and varied and it is extremely important that the postholder has a flexible approach and experience in the workings of the SEN agenda. An understanding of the Post-16 Preparation for Adulthood agenda would also be an advantage.