Designated Social Care Officer (DSCO)

Salary: £45,834 - £48,819 per annum

An exciting opportunity has arisen in Merton to shape this new role aimed at strengthening collaborative working between Education, Health and Social care.

The DSCO will strategically lead in framing the social care elements of the SEND strategy across the local authority and ensure we are in compliance with legislative requirements of the SEND Code of Practice (2015), as we are meeting our statutory responsibilities under the Children and Family Act (2014) and Care Act (2014) are met.

As the DSCO you will attend the weekly SEN Panel and follow up on the social care actions from that panel. You will also take a role in ensuring social care services are reflected in the local offer, coordinating EHC assessments with other social care assessments, and understanding thresholds.

To be successful in this role you will need to hold a recognised qualification in social work, education or other relevant profession, and have an in-depth knowledge of social care processes, the SEND reforms agenda. You will also need to have effective leadership and negotiation skills, and used to working collaboratively with Directors and mangers to drive organisational developments and changes.

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Karla Finikin on 020 8545 4810.