SEN Casework Team Leader (PO6)

Overview

As SEN Casework Team Leader, you will guide a frontline team in delivering high-quality EHC assessments, plans and reviews to secure strong outcomes for children with SEND. You’ll lead decision-making processes with fairness and consistency, collaborating with schools, health and care partners. The role combines expert casework oversight with leadership of a SENSAP service, driving continuous improvement and safeguarding rights. You’ll work across City-wide teams to empower families and champion inclusive education.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary
• West Yorkshire Pension Fund
• flexible and hybrid working
• clear career pathway
• professional development opportunities
• staff wellbeing benefits

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on EHC needs assessment and review and interpret legislation for the LA
• Lead and manage a team of casework officers, coaching and challenging to maintain high standards
• Oversee design, implementation and maintenance of electronic databases/systems to reflect evolving processes
• Ensure EHC plans are timely, high quality and compliant with statutory requirements
• Collaborate with schools, system leaders and partners to resolve complex issues and secure positive outcomes
• Represent SENSAP at internal/external meetings and contribute to policy development and performance improvement
• Lead on complaints, Ombudsman enquiries and SEND Tribunal cases with authoritative judgement
• Model restorative, child-centred practice and ensure rights of children and families are upheld
• Monitor and report on performance, timescales for EHC plans, and financial prudence
• Lead training and development for colleagues within and beyond SENSAP

Key requirements

• Line-management experience of staff delivering a professional service
• Substantial experience handling a demanding workload for children, young people or families
• Expert knowledge of EHC needs assessment, review processes and SEND legislation
• Ability to interpret statutory duties and apply them fairly
• Excellent verbal and written communication to influence senior leaders and partners
• Analytical and risk management capabilities; resilient and improvement-focused
• willingness to travel across the city for meetings
• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. teaching, social work, youth work) or equivalent experience

• coaching and mentoring
• strong influencing and negotiation
• restorative and reflective approach
• expert knowledge of EHC needs assessment and review
• knowledge of SEND legislation and local authority duties
• data use for improved outcomes and performance monitoring

…