Designated Social Care Officer - 37 hours

at  Torbay Council

JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION >

An exciting opportunity has arisen for you to join us at Torbay Council as the Designated Social Care Officer (DSCO).
As DSCO, you will work within the Quality Assurance Hub strategically leading and developing the social care elements of the SEND strategy across the local authority. A key part of the role is to identify gaps and develop new ways of working, particularly in relation to pathways for children and young people ‘not known’ to social care with SEND.
We are looking for a qualified social worker who can work restoratively to build strong relationships with children and young people with SEND and their families, so they feel heard and understood and are provided with the support they need when they need it.
The successful candidate will have in-depth knowledge and understanding of both social care operations in relation to children and the SEND code of practice, you will lead on improving the quality of social care advice for EHCPs, annual reviews and amended plans. The DSCO will work across the social care and SEND workforce generating solutions and implementing strategies and plans to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Key to success will be the ability of this leader to negotiate with and influence others, build and nurture effective partnerships, working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders across Torbay and creating opportunities for co-production.
In return, you can look forward to a career-defining Academy that champions and underpins personal and professional growth. Not to mention our reflective supervision model that is a vibrant mix of informal and structured oversight, offering you protected time to think.
Don’t hesitate, pick up the phone and speak with Louisa Jones Head of Service or Donna Frost Team Leader within the Quality Assurance Hub, or hit the keyboard. You have nothing to lose!

SKILLS

Essential:

• ICT Skills, including experience of using Microsoft office packages and databases.
• Thinking creatively and challenging the norms: existing practice, process, protocols.
• Evidence of applying innovative and analytical approaches to solving complex and challenging problems.
• Evidence of effectively and sensitively dealing with a wide range of people regarding difficult and complex issues including the use of effective negotiation.
• As this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016 (part 7), the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

KNOWLEDGE

Essential:

• Understanding, analysing, and presenting complex information effectively.
• Knowledge of statutory requirements and national guidance in relation to Safeguarding, Cared for Children, Children with Disabilities, Fostering and Adoption.
• Knowledge and understanding of the SEND agenda and Green Paper, current social policy, good practice and legislation. Including Working Together to Safeguard Children and the relevant OfstedInspection Frameworks.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

• Relevant professional social work qualification to the equivalent of a degree and evidence of having met post qualification standards.
• A current professional registration with Social Work England.
• Management qualification to certificate level or equivalent or, a willingness to acquire such, in a timely fashion.
• Considerable experience of working with children and young people with SEND and their families.
• Considerable experience of working with children and young people with Social Care needs and their families.