OR114062- SENDSTART Caseworker EK

Carrington Blake Recruitment; Birkenhead; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Experienced EHCP Co-ordinator role at Carrington Blake Recruitment requires coordinating Education, Health and Care assessments and annual reviews for children and young people aged 0-25, ensuring timely, person-centred processes within statutory guidelines.

You will work with families, schools and agencies to translate needs and aspirations into high-quality EHC Plans, provide guidance, and support junior co-ordinators while contributing to service improvement.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Professional qualification or demonstrable professional development relevant to education, SEN, social care or a related discipline.
• Detailed knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice.

Responsibilities

• Act as an experienced point of contact for parents, carers, children and young people throughout the EHC assessment and review process.
• Coordinate statutory EHC assessments and annual reviews, ensuring legal and Council timescales are consistently met.
• Gather and evaluate advice from education, health, social care and other relevant professionals.
• Ensure the views and aspirations of children, young people and families are central to the process.
• Prepare clear, accurate draft EHC Plans with provision, outcomes and SMART targets.
• Facilitate multi-agency meetings and EHC Plan reviews with clear actions.

Skills

SEN knowledge

multi-agency coordination

communication skills

report writing

time management

Education

Degree or equivalent

Professional qualification in SEN/education

Job description

Job Description - Experienced EHCP Co-ordinator

Job Purpose

The Experienced EHCP Co-ordinator will coordinate and manage Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessments and reviews for children and young people aged 0-25, ensuring that the process is timely, person-centred and compliant with statutory requirements. The post holder will work closely with children, young people, parents and carers, schools, and professionals across education, health, social care and voluntary services to ensure that individual needs, views and aspirations are accurately reflected in high-quality EHC Plans.

As an experienced practitioner, the post holder will provide advice and support to families and colleagues, contribute to effective multi-agency working, support less experienced EHCP Co-ordinators and contribute to the continuous improvement of SEN services.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as an experienced point of contact for parents, carers, children and young people throughout the EHC assessment and review process.
• Coordinate statutory EHC assessments and annual reviews, ensuring legal and Council timescales are consistently met.
• Gather and evaluate advice from education, health, social care and other relevant professionals.
• Ensure the views, wishes and aspirations of children, young people and their families are central to the assessment and planning process.
• Prepare clear, accurate and person-centred draft EHC Plans, including appropriate provision, outcomes and SMART targets.
• Facilitate multi-agency meetings and EHC Plan reviews, ensuring effective communication and agreed actions.
• Liaise with schools, specialist services and partner agencies to identify appropriate provision to meet identified needs.
• Support families to understand their rights, choices and options in relation to SEN provision.
• Attend mediation meetings where required and support managers in matters relating to the SEND Tribunal.
• Maintain accurate electronic case records and ensure information is managed in accordance with GDPR and Council policies.
• Manage a varied caseload, prioritising work according to statutory requirements, risk and service priorities.
• Provide guidance, support and mentoring to less experienced EHCP Co-ordinators and promote best practice.
• Contribute to the development of SEN policies, procedures, quality assurance and service improvement.
• Ensure resources are used effectively while maintaining a strong focus on positive outcomes for children and young people.

Essential Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Professional qualification or demonstrable professional development relevant to education, SEN, social care or a related discipline.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Detailed knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and associated legislation.
• Knowledge of the EHC assessment and review process and statutory requirements.
• Understanding of SEND Tribunal and mediation processes.
• Understanding of the needs and experiences of children, young people with SEND and their families.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and partnership-working skills.
• Strong organisational, planning and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and statutory deadlines.
• Good IT and case-management skills.
• Ability to prepare high-quality reports and person-centred plans.

Essential Experience

• Experience of working with children and/or young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
• Experience of coordinating or contributing to EHC assessments and/or reviews.
• Experience of leading or facilitating multi-agency meetings.
• Experience of preparing reports, assessments or person-centred plans.
• Experience of partnership working across education, health, social care or voluntary-sector services.
• Experience of managing a complex caseload and working to statutory timescales.
• Experience of supporting or mentoring colleagues is desirable.

Systems and Information

The post holder will be required to use Council IT systems, electronic case-management systems, databases and Microsoft Office applications to maintain accurate records, monitor statutory timescales and communicate effectively with families and professionals. They must ensure confidentiality and compliance with GDPR and relevant information governance requirements.

Working Arrangements

The role requires a flexible approach to working arrangements and the ability to travel across the borough using public or private transport. The post holder will be expected to work collaboratively with colleagues, schools and partner agencies and undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the level of the role.