SEND CaseworkManager (0-14) LBS-012

Job Category : Admin & Clerical

Location : Southwark Council

Hours Per Week : 36.20

Start Date : Immediate Start

Start Time : 09:00

End Time : 17:00

Salary: £26.04

Significant experience working to lead the SEND team in a local authority. Strong experience budget management and solution focused practice.

Responsibilities

1. To effectively manage two direct reports (2 SEHCP Coordinators, the SEND Tribunal Caseworker and the 0-5 EHCP Coordinator) and the overall casework team ensuring that staff are motivated and supported in all casework processes for the old and new legislation, that this runs smoothly, statutory timescales are met and service delivery to all clients is of the highest standard and meets both quality outcomes and statutory targets and to promote excellence in practice using evidenced based methods.
2. To ensure the use of key working principles in helping parents, carers, young people and professionals navigate the EHCP assessment and plan process, are embedded within the team and to ensure the wishes of children and families are incorporated.
3. Management responsibility for ensuring that the casework of the team is carried out in line with departmental expectations and national statutory timescales/duties (including updating CAPITA 1, IDOX and sending all appropriate standard letters) and maintain accurate and comprehensive pupil records on paper/electronic systems. To provide data reports to Head of SEND as required.
4. Preparation of SEND appeals including advocacy at SEND Tribunals.
5. Resolving disputes regarding SEN provision with parents and schools without the need for a full SEND appeal, thereby reducing unnecessary costs.
6. Supporting the casework team to be able to identify contentious issues and seek advice early so that issues can be resolved without the need for legal redress.
7. To develop and maintain systems and working practices for the management of all complaints, members and MP enquiries.
8. To ensure that all responses are drafted within the required timescale.
9. To assist case officers in compiling responses.
10. To support senior staff within the team with complex casework at any stage of the SEN statement/EHCP process. For example in meeting parents, attending complex transfer meetings, review meetings and Team Around the Child Meetings. This may include helping staff populate sections of the EHCP and coproduction of EHCPs for new cases/transfers and to lead on the development and management of plans. To also deputise for the Assistant Director SEND as and when required at meetings, to cover leave and so on.
11. To manage the overall placement of pupils with SEND in Southwark for children and young people aged 0-14 with EHCPs and to assist SEHCP Coordinators in the placement of pupils when difficulties arise.
12. To manage the phase transfer of pupils with EHCPs who are Southwark residents.

Knowledge, including educational qualifications:

Good general standard of Education (GCSE or equivalent passes in English and Maths and 5 GCSEs or equivalent overall grades A*-C).

Education to NVQ level 4/5/A level

Knowledge of the relevant legislation (Children and Families Act 2014, 0-25 SEND Code of Practice)

Knowledge of applying the principles of equal opportunities in the implementation of practice, in order to address equality and diversity issues.

Knowledge and understanding of current issues in education for children and adults with complex needs, including safeguarding.

Experience:

Experience of establishing effective working relationships with parents/carers and other professionals, including representatives from partner agencies.

Experience of commissioning services to meet service users need and achieve best value.

To have a minimum 5 years experience working in a multi-agency setting at a senior level.

At least 2 years experience of staff and resources management.

Aptitudes, Skills & Competencies:

Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to communicate with a wide variety of individuals using all available IT.

Excellent organisational/administration skills, including the capacity to manage competing demands and meet deadlines within timescales

Ability to work without constant supervision, to work independently and as part of a team and under pressure.

Decision making and problem solving skills –finding innovative ways to solve problems/demonstrating flexibility

Full commitment to service delivery/development in SEND being open to feedback from service users to shape the team in providing excellent practice.