Specialist Case Officer

Hybrid working with 2 days in office

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

As a Specialist Case Officer, you will:

• Lead and coordinate statutory caseworkfor children and young people aged 0–25 with SEND, including phased transfers, initiating and maintaining EHCPs, and ensuring statutory timescales are met.

• Chair multi-agency EHC Production meetingsusing person-centred approaches, ensuring families are fully involved and plans reflect the child’s aspirations and needs.

• Draft high-quality EHCPsthat are clear, accessible, and outcome-focused, based on thorough assessments and multi-agency input.

• Manage a caseload of complex and high-needs cases, including those involving Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS), social care involvement, and children at risk of exclusion.

• Coordinate multi-agency meetingsfor children with multifaceted needs, navigating systemic challenges and securing bespoke support packages.

• Support transition planningfor children moving into adult services or post-16 education, ensuring continuity of care and risk mitigation.

• Represent BFfCat admissions panels, SEND tribunals, and strategic meetings, and contribute to service development and policy work.

• Monitor and analyse performance datato identify gaps in provision and drive improvements in service delivery for children with the highest levels of need.

About you

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience managing complex SEND casesand working in multi-agency environments

• Holds relevant qualifications (GCSEs in English and Maths, degree-level education, and SEN-related training)

• Demonstrates excellent communication, analytical, and negotiation skills

• Has strong knowledge of SEND legislation, including the Children and Families Act, SEN Code of Practice, Equality Act, and safeguarding procedures

• Is confident, approachable, and committed to person-centred planning

• Can lead multi-agency meetings and mediate between professionals and families

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave

• A wide range of flexible working opportunities

• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)

• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted

• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work

• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Alec.desausmarez@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 19thOctober 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed

Interview Process: To be confirmed