Designated Social Care Officer (DSCO)
Salary: Soulbury 14–17 + 3 SPA Points (£62,197 – £66,432 per annum)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (36 hours per week)
Category: Education & Schools
overview
We are an outstanding council serving one of London’s most diverse and dynamic boroughs. With visionary leadership and a strong commitment to resident-focused services, we work together to create an inclusive, supportive and innovative environment. Our organisational values — Lead with Heart, Do New, Pass on the Power, Harness the Mix, and Be a Rock — shape everything we do. As a Disability Confident Employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
About the Role
We are excited to offer an opportunity to join our leadership team within the Access, Inclusion and Participation pillar. As the Designated Social Care Officer (DSCo), you will act as the strategic link between social care and the Learning Support and Assessment (Statutory SEND) team, ensuring children and young people with SEND receive coordinated support across education, health and care. You will work closely with key partners and senior leaders to improve outcomes, strengthen multi-agency collaboration and support the delivery of statutory SEND duties.
Key Responsibilities
- Strengthen relationships between children’s and adults’ social care, education and health services.
- Support delivery of statutory responsibilities under the Children and Families Act 2014.
- Oversee social care contributions to EHC needs assessments, plans and reviews.
- Ensure all social care input is high quality, evidence-based and delivered within statutory timescales.
- Provide professional oversight and quality assurance of social care advice for EHC Plans.
- Represent social care at multi-agency panels, SEND boards and EHC decision-making forums.
- Collaborate with the DCO and DSENDo to ensure consistent and aligned pathways.
- Support service transformation, policy development and compliance with inspection frameworks.
About the Team
You will work within the Lifelong Learning, Skills & Employment division, part of the Children’s & Adults Services Department. The division delivers statutory and community services aimed at lifelong learning, growth, wellbeing and economic success. The Access, Inclusion and Participation pillar includes: Statutory SEND (Learning Support & Assessment), Specialist Practice & Advice (including the Educational Psychology service), Education Inclusion & Participation and the Virtual School. This DSCo role reports to the Service Manager – Learning Support and Assessment.
About You
To thrive in this role, you will be a collaborative, knowledgeable and innovative social care professional committed to inclusive practice and system improvement. You will bring:
- Social Work England registration.
- Proven experience in social care with strong understanding of SEND frameworks.
- Knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice (2015).
- Understanding of the statutory EHC assessment and review process.
- Experience working within multi-agency environments.
- Ability to influence service improvement and lead high-quality practice.
You will also play a senior role in supporting staff development, service quality, training and succession planning.
Contact Information
For more information about the role:
Email: Tracy.Winwood@hounslow.gov.uk
Interview Week: Week commencing 5 January 2026
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