Locality EHC Casework Manager
Grade: M
Salary: From £44,428 up to £48,474 per annum pro rata
Hours: Full-time/ 37 hours
Contract Permanent
Location: Harrogate Area, flexible work bases and hybrid working
Weekend Working: No
Closing Date: 9th November 2023
Are you an experienced leader who has the passion and drive to make a difference for the children and young people of North Yorkshire?
We are looking for a passionate highly motivated individual who has leadership experience of working with and supporting children and young people with SEN or an EHC plan. Professionals who have been a SENCO or Senior Leader within education, have a professional qualification in Health or Social Care or equivalent experience would be encouraged to apply for this role.
North Yorkshire Council have a national reputation for excellence, and we are looking for a SEN Casework Manager with a wide range of experience, knowledge and skills. We also welcome those who are looking to relocate.
The core focus of this job is to manage a team of EHC Casework Officers providing professional expertise and leadership for the implementation of the Local Authority's statutory responsibilities and procedures for children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) across the whole age range 0 to 25. You will need knowledge of the SEND Regulations 2014, Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Cop of Practice 2015.
The Directorate has established an Integrated SEND Service (0-25) to provide an improved experience for children and young people with SEND and their families, including pathways and key points for assessment and decision making.
The role will involve monitoring progress of the children undergoing statutory assessment and supporting the SEN casework officers to address barriers in the process or in securing appropriate placements.
The role will involve working in an integrated way with a variety of partner agencies and organisations both internally within the Council, and externally to ensure statutory responsibilities are fulfilled. The post holder will need to have a commitment to shared values and the common purpose of developing a culture of interagency working; including statutory bodies, third and private sector organisations.
This post will have oversight over complex cases (in terms of SEND process) held by the EHC Casework Officer. This will include specific accountability and oversight for cases within High Cost placements including Independent Specialist provision. Cases in the tribunal arena will be held by this post for the duration of the appeal with casework oversight a joint responsibility of the EHC Casework Officer and Manager .
Supervision and active oversight of the EHC Casework Officers will apply where: there is complaint escalation where first line response has not resolved the complaint; cases where there is a request or requirement for a move from mainstream to special school; out of area cases; cases where there is a sudden or unpredictable request for a change of placement (placement breakdown); cases requiring significant multi-agency working such as Looked After Children or those in the Criminal Justice System and any other case deemed as “complex” following supervision with the Lead for SEND.
We require a leader who has communication skills that are effective in potentially difficult circumstances such as where complaints have escalated, in mediation or where there is dispute around the EHCP. If you are an effective listening, are flexible and responsive when negotiating, show emotional intelligence and empathy during complex meetings, and have the ability to regulate your own communication style and emotions to the situation or in times of crisis then we would like to hear from you.
If you would like an informal discussion about the post then please contact Charlie Lowe Head of SEND on Charlie.Lowe@northyorks.gov.uk
Key Dates
Closing Date: 9th November 2023
Interview Date: 16th November 2023
Key Documents
Total Rewards brochure 2023.pdf
Enhanced Level DBS Disclosure is required for appointment to this post.
NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies. We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.