Cared for and Vulnerable Children

Application Deadline: 21 June 2026

Department: Childrens Services

Location: Torbay Council

Compensation: £39,152 - £41,771 / year

Job Description & Person Specification >

We’re looking for a committed SEND Caseworker to support cared for and vulnerable children and young people with SEND across Torbay.

You’ll manage statutory EHC assessments, plans and reviews, working closely with social care, education, health professionals and carers to ensure plans are timely, lawful and outcome focused.

The role involves complex SEND casework, placement planning for cared for pupils who reside out of the locality, arranging and attending annual reviews and close multi agency working within the Virtual School, Vulnerable Pupils service and other Local Authorities.

You’ll need:

• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and the SEND Code of Practice.
• Experience working with children and young people with SEND.
• Excellent communication, organisation and report writing skills.
• Confidence managing complex cases and meeting statutory deadlines.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of cared for and care experienced children.

This position is for a fixed term of 12 months from the start date.

This position is Term Time working and the salary will be pro rated to reflect this.

This post will be carrying out Regulated Activity. As such the post will require an Enhanced Criminal Record Check plus an additional Barred List Check. The check will reveal any spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions (which have not been filtered), any local Police information and a check of either the Adult, Child or Adult and Child Barred Lists.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:

https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/cared-for-and-vulnerable-children-send-caseworker/

For an informal chat please contact Laura Beety on 01803 208169 or ***email_hidden***.

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 29th June 2026.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.

Skills

Essential:

• Significant decision-making skills – the ability to analyse information, draw conclusions and effect judgements based on outcomes and risk.
• Proven problem-solving skills – the ability to identify causes, make objective and informed judgements that demonstrates emotional resilience and balance.
• Ability to deal with difficult and challenging situations with tact and sensitivity.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues and partners across agency boundaries.
• Ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines and utilise resources appropriately.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Knowledge

Essential:

• A thorough understanding of current legislation and DfE guidance and developments in special educational needs.
• A broad understanding of issues surrounding general developments in educational assessment and intervention.
• Knowledge of working with schools as systems.
• Knowledge of legislation and procedures relating to assessment and provision for children with special educational needs.
• An understanding of the implications of the emerging changes to legislation relating to special educational needs.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Educated to degree level.
• Evidence of continued professional development.
• Experience of work in relation to young people and children with special educational needs.
• Commitment to evidence of applying an evidenced informed practice approach.
• Experience of working under pressure and making robust evidenced informed decisions.