We have an exciting opportunity available for a SEND Casework Assistant to join our supportive SEND team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full time, permanent basis. As the SEND Casework Assistant, you will play a key role in providing casework support to the SEND Team, enabling the front-line service to function efficiently and meet its statutory obligations in accordance with the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2015 and other related legislation, government guidelines and local policy. This role will prioritise the statutory processes for vulnerable children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans, ensuring appropriate provision is identified without delays. Benefits Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including: ⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days (rising to 33 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays ⭐ An excellent local government pension scheme ⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline ⭐ A range of local & lifestyle discounts ⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office) ⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes ⭐ And much more Why Wokingham? In the past 12 months, our area SEND system has been strengthened and the ways we deliver our services have been transformed to better meet children’s needs. Continuously improving children and young people’s outcomes are at the heart of what we do. To support this, we have recently invested in our SEND Service to increase capacity, training and career development opportunities to promote closer partnership working with children, young people and their families. We have already recruited a number of new Officers to our SEND Service in January 2025, and it has never been a better time to join us and to be part of future successful story of Wokingham Borough Council’s ambitious SEND services. Key responsibilities: Act as the first point of contact for all general SEND calls, dealing effectively with enquiries wherever possible, or referring to the relevant officer as required. Provide administrative support to the SEND team, primarily the SEND Case Officers Plan, organise and supervise allocated activities within procedural and regulatory framework Ensure individual care plans are implemented, and the personal and health care needs of service users are met, working within guidelines and procedures, and record service user progress. Liaise with carers, relatives, colleagues and other agencies to ensure good communication and service to users Candidate requirements: Understanding of SEN legislation and procedures Minimum of 5 GCSE’s or equivalent Good IT skills, including word processing skills in Microsoft Office, and in database systems Understanding of schools as learning environments and roles and responsibilities of a LA Ability to write detailed and complex reports independently utilising information provided by both internal and external colleagues Our Area Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life. If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today Alternatively, for an informal discussion about the role please contact our recruitment team via email at recruitwokingham.gov.uk Closing date: Sunday 5th January 2025, 11pm Interview date: TBC Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.