Designated Social Care Officer - Social Worker

Are you an experienced social worker with a passion for about making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities? Look no further!

My client in South East London is looking for a Designated Social Care Officer to join their service.

The DSCO is a new role that aims to improve collaboration among Education, Health and Social care in the area of SEND.

The postholder will oversee the implementation of the social care aspects of the SEND strategy in the local authority and ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice 0-25 (2015) and the statutory obligations under the Children and Family Act (2014) and Care Act (2014).

The DSCO will support children’s social care colleagues to fulfil their statutory duties for children and young people with SEND aged 0-25, leading to better outcomes for them.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Develop and implement social care strategies, plans and processes for SEND reforms.
• Contribute to SEND organisational design and 0-25 Children & Young People with Disabilities Service policies.
• Lead a network of social care SEND champions and link workers.
• Facilitate and oversee social care implementation of SEND agenda and gather feedback from stakeholders.
• Develop social care aspects of the Local Offer that provide relevant advice and information.
• Work with senior managers and service leads to ensure social care compliance with Children & Families Act and Care Act.
• Challenge practice, systems, processes and protocols to enhance SEND reform compliance.
• Lead social care preparation for regulatory inspections, including self-evaluation.
• Contribute to social care workforce development by formulating blended learning/training programme on SEND reforms.
• Work across Education and Children’s Social Care, accountable to Children, Education and Families Senior Leadership Team.

Experience needed:

• Previous Social Worker with social care expertise.
• Worked with diverse stakeholders in SEND, social care, education and health sectors.
• Led, mentored and supervised others.
• Challenged existing norms and practices.
• Implemented organisational change across functions and organisations.
• Collaborated with professionals to protect and support children and families.
• Conducted direct work with children of various ages, needs and backgrounds.
• Used quality assurance frameworks and systems to review services.

Requirements for the role:

• Social Work degree or equivalent.
• Social Work England registration.
• Completion of ASYE.

Join us in creating a better future for children in South London! If you have the passion, skills and expertise to make a difference, apply now and be a part of our dedicated team.