Designated Social Care Officer (DSCO)

Overview

As Wiltshire’s Designated Social Care Officer, you influence SEND practice across Children’s Social Care, Adult Social Care, Family Help, Education and Health to ensure timely support for children and young people with SEND. The role leads quality assurance of EHCP social care contributions and shapes guidance within a multi-agency system. You will deliver training, offer expert advice on SEND and legislation, and contribute to safeguarding and transition planning at system level. This is a high-impact, autonomous role within the Families First Partnership and SEND reform context.

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 effective Preparing for Adulthood and transition planning
• Develop guidance, resources and practice standards
• Work with education, health, social care and family representatives to improve outcomes for children and young people
• Be responsible for developing social care aspects of the Local Offer that provide relevant advice and information and meet all 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 outcomes for children and young people with SEND
• Ability to work independently, build professional credibility and influence practice without line management responsibility

• communication
• influencing
• autonomy
• quality assurance
• training delivery
• legislation knowledge

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