Caseworker - Assessment & Review

Stockton-on-tees Borough Council; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS

Hybrid work

Car lease

Employee discounts

Learning & development

Job summary

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is seeking a motivated Caseworker to join its SEND Assessments and Review Service on a fixed-term maternity cover until October 2027. The role focuses on coordinating statutory assessment and review processes for children and young people with SEND, working with families, schools and partner agencies.

You'll support senior staff, manage a varied caseload, monitor legal timescales and ensure timely, high-quality service delivery.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience of SEND legislation, policies and procedures.
• Commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• Ability to build positive relationships with families, schools and partner agencies.
• Excellent organisational skills with ability to manage workload.
• Resilient, proactive and able to support and challenge professionals appropriately.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Support statutory responsibilities for children and young people with SEND.
• Coordinate assessment and review processes and monitor legal timescales.
• Collaborate with families, schools and partner agencies to ensure timely support.
• Manage a varied caseload and maintain high standard of service.

Skills

SEND legislation

Outcomes improvement

Relationship building

Organisational skills

Resilience

Professional development

Job description

We're looking for a motivated, organised and enthusiastic Caseworker to join our SEND Assessments and Review Service on a fixed-term, maternity cover basis until October 2027. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), while gaining valuable experience within a Local Authority SEND service. Working as part of a supportive and experienced team, you'll help ensure children, young people and their families receive the right support at the right time. Whether you're already working within SEND services or looking to broaden your experience in a statutory SEND environment, this role offers the opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills and professional network while making a meaningful impact.

About the role

As a Caseworker, you'll work closely with the Senior Caseworker and Team Manager to support the Council's statutory responsibilities for children and young people with SEND. You'll manage a varied caseload, coordinate statutory assessment and review processes, monitor legal timescales and work collaboratively with families, schools and partner agencies. Your work will help ensure that children and young people remain at the centre of every decision and receive the support they need to achieve their potential. This is a rewarding and varied role where no two days are the same. You'll need to be confident managing competing priorities, building positive relationships and working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high standard of service.

• Has knowledge and experience of SEND legislation, policies and procedures.
• Is passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• Can build positive working relationships with families, schools and partner agencies.
• Has excellent organisational skills and can effectively manage their own workload.
• Is resilient, proactive and confident in supporting and challenging professionals where appropriate.
• Is committed to continuous learning and professional development.

Applications are welcomed from candidates with experience in SEND, education, social care or related fields who can demonstrate an understanding of SEND processes and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

At Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, we pride ourselves on being a great place to work where people are trusted, valued and supported to make a meaningful contribution.

Please note that we're unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role, so candidates will need to have an existing right to work in the UK. Important Applicant Guidance Accuracy and Use of AI Tools: You must ensure that anything submitted in your application is factually accurate. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications; submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience. Application Updates and Communication: All updates regarding your application, including interview invitations, will be sent from '[e-mail]' to the email linked to your North East Jobs account, and will also appear in the 'My Messages' section of your account. Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions): This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended). Applicants are therefore required to disclose all criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings, including those which would normally be considered spent, subject to the filtering rules applicable under current legislation. Right to Work: All applicants must provide valid proof of their right to work in the UK in accordance with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's statutory employment checks. Employment cannot commence or continue unless this has been verified. Council Principles: The Council's recruitment principles require fairness, transparency, and a commitment to attracting and developing local talent. Limitations: Where an individual cannot demonstrate a valid right to work in the UK, the Council will be unable to progress or continue the appointment. This includes cases where an existing employee's visa is due to expire and sponsorship is not granted.

In return, we offer:

• A competitive salary of up to £38,510.
• 27 days annual leave, rising to 32 days after five years' service, plus bank holidays.
• The option to purchase additional leave through our flexible leave scheme.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, allowing you to work part of your week from home.
• Access to a wide range of employee benefits, including learning and development opportunities, a car lease scheme, employee assistance programme, physiotherapy services and discounts with major high street and online retailers.
• The opportunity to gain valuable Local Authority experience within a supportive and knowledgeable team.

Internal Applicants and Secondments

This post is available on a fixed-term, maternity cover basis and secondment opportunities will be considered for internal employees. If you are applying on a secondment basis, please obtain approval from your current line manager before submitting your application. Further information can be found within the Council's Secondment Policy.

Supporting documents 2. Employee Benefits Leaflet.pdf (193.29 KB) 13. SBC Values and Behaviours Statement - 2025.pdf (330.4 KB) Caseworker SEND Assessment & Review - JD & PS.pdf (207.18 KB) Caseworker - SEND Assessment & Review (Known Risks).pdf (403.38 KB)