SEND IASS Caseworker

What will you be doing?

You will provide a high quality point of contact for service users to address their queries and requests, provide them with information, advice and support to help them to understand SEND legislation and local practices, procedures and interventions and empower service users to express their views and have their voice heard in decision making.

You will  support children and young people and / or their parents during the Statutory Assessment process including supporting them in Mediation and at the SEN 1^st Tier tribunal process. 

You will hold a caseload and provide tailored support directly to parents / carers of children with Special Educational needs and Disabilities (SEND) and directly to children, young people with SEND, including for young people aged over 16 on their own, if requested.

Assisting at school meetings, case conferences and core meetings, ensuring that families can fully participate in the process. This may include exclusion meetings with schools, governors and IRP meetings.

You will be expected to keep accurate records of all enquiries, actions and follow-up activities and keep the database up to date.

Network and collaborate with staff from the local authority, health and voluntary agencies working in related areas so that information and knowledge can be shared and good working relationships built to give appropriate support to young people and their parents accessing the services.

Assising in the development, facilitation and delivery of workshops / training on topics relevant to SEND for parents / carers / children/ young people, voluntary and statutory agencies, education services and schools in West Northants. 

About you

The successful candidate must have outstanding interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication, listening skills, empathy and ability to build rapport. The ability to be flexible in approach in dealing with difficult situations, working with sensitive and confidential information and working well under pressure is also essential. A demonstrable understanding and knowledge of current SEND working practice and educational legislation would be a distinct advantage. It is essential that you can work as part of a team as well as independently. You will be computer literate.

You must be willing to undertake IPSEA legal training, levels 1, 2 & 3 as required by the Council for Disabled Children Minimum Standards and adhere to the principles of the SEN Code of Practice and keep abreast of all legislation and policy relating to SEN and disability.

Demonstrate awareness/understanding of equal opportunities and other people’s behavioural, physical, social, emotional and welfare needs.

Our benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, these include:

• Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days annual leave per year, 29 days for senior managers (pro rata, depending on how many hours per week you work), plus bank holidays. An additional 5 days, linked to continuous service, and ability to purchase up to 6 weeks additional leave per year.
• Cycle to Work scheme. 
• Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health protection.
• Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
• Car Lease scheme
• Payment of professional subscription / membership - If your job description requires that you are registered with or are a member of a professional body, WNC will pay for your professional subscription or membership fees.
• Employee Assistance Programme - We have an employee support programme run by Health Assured, an independent, external organisation. Health Assured is available for you and your immediate family members, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and includes telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• A variety of flexible working options to support your work/life balance, including full or part time, term time, 9-day fortnight, etc. (subject to business needs).
• Our West Ways of Working – We want our workforce to thrive, and we equip our employees with the right technology to support hybrid and collaborative working, on or off site, depending on the role.
• Making a difference - If you want to use your skills and experience with an organisation that are genuinely invested in making a difference, are committed to improving people's lives, and whose success has a direct impact on the wellbeing of your family, friends and people in your local area, then West Northamptonshire Council is the place for you.

About us

We’re a new council, following one of the largest shake-ups in local government reform in recent history. As a new authority, we’re embarking on an exciting journey to deliver exceptional services for our residents, customers and communities.  

Our vision at West Northamptonshire Council is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services. 

Hear more from our Chief Executive, Anna Earnshaw, about what it's like to work at West Northants Council https://youtu.be/lV0EfeUF4aU 

At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.

When potential is unlocked, talent thrives.

Choose a career that offers you a true sense of achievement, fills you with pride and challenges you in a positive way, every day.

West Northants Council, where careers thrive.

Should you require the Job Description in another format or language, please contact: Careers@westnorthants.gov.uk