Designated Social Care Officer (DSCO)

Overview

In this role you will act as the recognised social care lead within Wiltshire’s SEND system, supporting services to meet statutory duties and raise social care practice quality. You will influence across Children’s and Adult Social Care, Family Help, Education and Health, ensuring SEND children receive timely and appropriate support. You’ll oversee EHCP quality assurance, provide guidance, training and challenge within a multi‑agency context, and shape practice standards. This is an autonomous, credibility‑building role focused on improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality assurance of social care contributions to EHCPs
• Deliver training, workshops and practice development across services
• Provide expert advice on SEND and social care legislation
• Support mediation, tribunal and dispute resolution activity
• Promote Preparing for Adulthood and transition planning
• Develop guidance, resources and practice standards
• Collaborate with education, health, social care and family representatives to improve outcomes for children and young people
• Develop social care aspects of the Local Offer to meet legislative requirements

Key requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England
• Significant post-qualification social work experience, ideally Level 4 or equivalent
• Strong knowledge of children’s social care and safeguarding
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Experience of quality assurance, practice improvement or workforce development
• Ability to provide professional advice, support and challenge
• Passion for improving SEND outcomes
• Ability to work independently and influence practice without line management responsibility

• communication
• influencing
• autonomy
• quality assurance
• practice development
• knowledge of SEND legislation and safeguarding

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