Job Introduction
About Us
At Oxfordshire County Council, everything we do is driven by a simple ambition: helping children, young people and families thrive. We are committed to delivering services that make a meaningful difference to people's lives, and we know that achieving the very best outcomes happens when social care, education, health and families work together.
The Designated Social Care Officer role sits in our Continuous Improvement and Quality Assurance service, working with stakeholders across our Local Area SEND partnership. The role is an exciting opportunity to influence how services are designed and delivered across Oxfordshire, ensuring that children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) receive the right support at the right time.
You'll join a forward-thinking organisation that values collaboration, innovation and continuous learning. Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to help shape services that have a lasting impact on the lives of children, young people and their families.
About the Role
This is a highly influential strategic role and an opportunity to become Oxfordshire's lead social care officer within the Local Area SEND system. As the Designated Social Care Officer, you will play a central role in developing and driving the social care contribution to the SEND agenda, ensuring compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice while helping to shape the future direction of services across the county.
Working closely with colleagues across social care, education, health and wider partner organisations, you will use your expertise to strengthen practice, improve outcomes and develop innovative solutions for children and young people with SEND. You will build strong relationships with senior leaders, practitioners, families and partner agencies, ensuring that the voices of children, young people and parents are heard, valued and reflected in service development and decision-making.
No two days will be the same. You will lead on the social care elements of the Local Area SEND strategy, establish and oversee networks of SEND champions, contribute to multi-agency panels and governance boards, quality assure social care contributions to EHCPs, support tribunal activity and help ensure the county remains inspection-ready. You will also play a key role in driving culture change, encouraging collaborative working and improving the experience of children and families navigating SEND services.
This is a role for someone who enjoys influencing at a strategic level while remaining connected to the experiences of children, young people and families. The impact of your work will be felt across services and throughout the wider SEND partnership.
About you
We're looking for an experienced and passionate Social Worker who is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
You'll hold a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. Alongside your professional expertise, you'll bring a strong understanding of SEND legislation, children's social care and the regulatory frameworks that shape inspection and service delivery.
You will have substantial experience of working with children and young people with SEND and their families, alongside a track record of developing services, leading change and working collaboratively across organisational boundaries. You will be confident engaging with senior leaders and key stakeholders, able to influence decisions, challenge constructively and build strong partnerships that deliver better outcomes.
We're looking for someone who is naturally curious, creative and solutions-focused. You'll be comfortable analysing complex information, identifying opportunities for improvement and turning ideas into action. Just as importantly, you'll be an excellent communicator, able to engage audiences ranging from practitioners and managers to parents, carers and partner organisations.
If you are passionate about SEND, driven by improving services and motivated by the opportunity to influence change across a whole system, we'd love to hear from you.
Join us and help shape a future where every child and young person with SEND can achieve their potential.
Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.
Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Our commitment to:
Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Our commitment to:
Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
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