Designated Social Care Officer (DSCO)

Overview

As Wiltshire Council’s DSCO, you will provide expert social care leadership within the SEND system, shaping practice across Children’s and Adult Social Care, Education and Health. You’ll oversee EHCP quality and support practitioners to deliver lawful, outcome-focused contributions. This role offers strategic influence without caseload, enabling credible challenge in a multi-agency setting. You’ll work autonomously to strengthen decision-making and support SEND reform through high-quality guidance and training.

Responsibilities

• lead and influence social care practice across a multi-agency SEND system
• oversee quality of social care advice within EHCP processes
• provide quality assurance, guidance, challenge and training to practitioners and managers
• support services to meet statutory responsibilities and improve practice
• work with autonomy to strengthen decision-making using evidence and legislation

Key requirements

• experienced Level 4 Social Worker
• current UK professional registration
• ability to operate in a non-case holding role and provide constructive challenge
• strong understanding of social work knowledge, legislation and practice
• commitment to safeguarding and statutory duties
• DBS check requirement
• eligibility for UK skilled worker sponsorship if applicable

• professional maturity
• confidence to challenge across agencies
• credibility with stakeholders
• quality assurance in social care
• EHCP processes and guidance
• use of legislation to inform practice

…