Complex Case Officer (Annual Reviews) – 4-Month Contract

Location: Shropshire Council

Rate: £290 per day (Umbrella)

Contract: 4-Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Fully Remote

Working Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:45am - 5:00pm | Friday 8:45am - 4:00pm

DBS: Enhanced DBS Required (Children's Barred List)

Requirement: DBS Update Service and Proof of Enhanced DBS Required

Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

Shropshire Council is on the lookout for a seasoned Complex Case Officer (Annual Reviews) to join its SEND Service team for a 4-month contract. The role is pivotal in managing intricate and escalated Annual Review (AR) cases, particularly those with disputed outcomes or requiring substantial amendments to Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). The successful candidate will collaborate with families, schools, SENCOs, and other professionals to fulfill statutory obligations and secure optimal outcomes for children and young people with SEND. This position demands a robust understanding of SEN, experience in handling complex EHCP processes, and the capability to manage sensitive cases with confidence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee a caseload of complex and escalated Annual Review cases.
  
• Take charge of cases involving:
  • Parental disputes
    
  • School or provider disagreements
    
  • Requests for specialist placements
    
  • Out-of-county placements
    
  • Significant changes to provision
    
  • Complex amendment processes
    
• Guide cases from Annual Review decisions to final amended EHCPs.
  
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and documentation for Review and Consultation Panels (RCP).
  
• Present complex Annual Review outcomes and recommendations.
  
• Justify:
  • Funding uplift requests
    
  • Placement changes
    
  • Specialist provision recommendations
    
• Ensure compliance with SEN legislation and timelines.
  
• Collaborate with:
  • Parents and carers
    
  • Schools and SENCOs
    
  • Educational Psychologists
    
  • Health Professionals
    
  • Service Providers
    
  • Local Authority colleagues
    
• Manage expectations and resolve issues effectively.
  
• Support the reduction of tribunal escalation through effective case management and communication.
  
• Maintain accurate case records and documentation.
  

Essential

Requirements:

• Extensive experience in SEND Services.
  
• Strong grasp of:
  • EHCP processes
    
  • Annual Reviews
    
  • SEND Code of Practice
    
  • SEN legislation and statutory duties
    
• Experience in managing complex or disputed SEND cases.
  
• Proficiency in writing and amending Education, Health, and Care Plans.
  
• Experience presenting cases to SEND panels or decision-making boards.
  
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
  
• Ability to handle challenging conversations with parents, schools, and professionals.
  
• Strong report-writing and case management skills.
  
• Capability to work independently in a remote setting.
  

Essential Compliance

• Enhanced DBS Check with Children's Barred List.
  
• DBS Update Service Registration.
  
• Proof of DBS Clearance Required.
  

Desirable

• Previous experience as a SEN Case Officer or Complex Case Officer.
  
• Tribunal preparation experience.
  
• Experience within a Local Authority SEND Team.
  
• Knowledge of specialist placement commissioning and funding arrangements.
  

What's on Offer?

• £290 per day (Umbrella)
  
• 4-Month Contract
  
• Fully Remote Working
  
• Enhanced DBS Required
  
• Monday - Thursday 8:45am - 5:00pm
  
• Friday 8:45am - 4:00pm
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to support complex SEND casework within a busy Local Authority.
  
• Meaningful role helping children and young people access appropriate education and support.
  
• Flexible home-based working arrangement.
  

Ideal for candidates with experience as a SEN Case Officer, EHCP Coordinator, Annual Review Officer, SEND Casework Officer, Tribunal Officer, Complex Case Officer, SEN Resolution Officer, or Education Health and Care Plan Coordinator.