Designated Social Care Officer

Are you an experienced Social Work professional with a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND? We're seeking a dynamic Designated Social Care Officer (DSCO) to provide strategic leadership, shape social care's contribution to the SEND agenda and help drive positive, systemic change across Reading.

This is a unique and influential role, working at the intersection of social care, education and health to ensure that the needs of children and young people with SEND are understood, championed and met.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

In this strategic role, you'll lead the integration of social care within the SEND system, ensuring children and young people receive coordinated, high quality support. You'll provide expert guidance, drive cultural change and help shape how social care contributes to Education, Health and Care (EHC) pathways.

You will also:

Lead the social care elements of the SEND strategy, ensuring compliance with legislation and the SEND Code of Practice.

Strengthen joint working between social care, education, health and voluntary sector partners.

Oversee and quality assure social care contributions to EHC assessments and plans.

Develop and deliver training, mentoring and practice improvement initiatives across social care teams.

Analyse data and intelligence to identify gaps in provision and inform commissioning.

Represent the local authority at regional and national SEND forums, sharing best practice.

Support preparation for Ofsted/CQC SEND inspections, ensuring social care is inspection ready.

Champion co production and inclusive practice, ensuring the voices of families shape service development.

Registration as a Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England, and a strong track record of high quality social care practice.

Significant experience leading complex SEND-related casework, including safeguarding and working with children with disabilities.

Experience in leading teams, driving cultural change and developing performance focused practice.

Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and present it clearly.

Excellent communication and negotiation abilities, enabling you to influence, challenge and collaborate effectively.

Confidence in coaching, mentoring and supporting others to develop best practice.

A commitment to inclusion, coproduction and person centred approaches.

You'll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you'll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this

Work Together as one team - champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading

Drive Efficiency - create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees' skills are developed and used effectively

Be Ambitious - aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential

Make a Difference to Reading - inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you'll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years' service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave

A wide range of flexible working opportunities

Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)

On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted

Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work

Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax