Job summary The Associate Designated Clinical Officer ('Associate DCO') for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) will ensure the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (CWICB) complies with the legislation and spirit of the SEND Code of Practice leading to improved outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Working across the two local authorities of Coventry and Warwickshire, the Associate DCO will act as operational and clinical lead for SEND. They will ensure that agencies have and follow operational policies and protocols that facilitate joined-up and effective partnership working. The Associate DCO will advise and work on individual cases to ensure the health needs of children, young people and young adults with SEND are being met. They will act as decision-maker at High Needs Panels, to be the point of contact in cases of parent/carer/young person appeals, to be the point of contact in cases of children and young people who are new to the city and require provision in an EHCP to be adopted, to meet with local specialist collages to agree and source health provision within post-16 EHCPs and to organise and attend the ICBs preparation for both area Ofsted/CQC SEND inspections, engagement meetings and follow on action working parties. Main duties of the job Represent the ICB on operational or clinical health and interagency groups, forums or meetings Provide an additional source of expert health resource and point of contact for families and professionals relating to SEND Act as operational health lead for the Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) pathway development. Work in partnership with Education, Social Care and Health providers and commissioners to ensure the needs of particularly vulnerable groups, such as looked after children & young people, are understood and that support is coordinated. Provide operational support during any inspections Advise and influence education services, schools, and other relevant agencies on health matters relevant to SEND, being a point of contact on operational issues for these agencies. Act as a decision-maker at high needs panels Support Providers in appeal activities Act as a health link to direct and support Plancos Respond to tribunal recommendations Work with specialist collages to agree and source health provision within post-16 EHCPs Complete funding forms for Broadcare About us Coventry and Warwickshire ICB is committed to improving the lives of children and young people. The purpose of Coventry and Warwickshire ICB is to; Improve outcomes in population and healthcare Tackle inequalities in outcomes, experience and access Enhance productivity and value for money Help NHS support broader social and economic development The Children's Team are based within the Nursing, Quality and Experience Directorate. The Children's Team work collaboratively across the ICB and our system. The team have developed a set of team values that are weaved into every day working practices. The team strive to be welcoming, open and compassionate. The team provides a supportive, expert and collaborative team environment, enabling the successful candidate to thrive in their new role. Date posted 28 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 105-7026785 Job locations Shire Hall, Warwick Market Place Warwick CV34 4RL Job description Job responsibilities The Associate Designated Clinical Officer (Associate DCO) for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) will ensure the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (CWICB) complies with the legislation and spirit of the SEND Code of Practice leading to improved outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Working across the two local authorities of Coventry and Warwickshire, the Associate DCO will act as operational and clinical lead for SEND. They will ensure that agencies have and follow operational policies and protocols that facilitate joined-up and effective partnership working. The Associate DCO will advise and work on individual cases to ensure the health needs of children, young people and young adults with SEND are being met. They will act as decision-maker at High Needs Panels, to be the point of contact in cases of parent/carer/young person appeals, to be the point of contact in cases of children and young people who are new to the city and require provision in an EHCP to be adopted, to meet with local specialist collages to agree and source health provision within post-16 EHCPs and to organise and attend the ICBs preparation for both area Ofsted/CQC SEND inspections, engagement meetings and follow on action working parties. The Associate DCO will remain up-to-date and respond flexibly to changing government SEND requirements and SEND frameworks and have a commitment to tackling health inequalities. The Associate DCO will work closely with partners to improve quality of life, reduce school absences, improve mental and physical health, increase personal autonomy and increase involvement in further education and employment, independent living, and community inclusion. Job description Job responsibilities The Associate Designated Clinical Officer (Associate DCO) for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) will ensure the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (CWICB) complies with the legislation and spirit of the SEND Code of Practice leading to improved outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Working across the two local authorities of Coventry and Warwickshire, the Associate DCO will act as operational and clinical lead for SEND. They will ensure that agencies have and follow operational policies and protocols that facilitate joined-up and effective partnership working. The Associate DCO will advise and work on individual cases to ensure the health needs of children, young people and young adults with SEND are being met. They will act as decision-maker at High Needs Panels, to be the point of contact in cases of parent/carer/young person appeals, to be the point of contact in cases of children and young people who are new to the city and require provision in an EHCP to be adopted, to meet with local specialist collages to agree and source health provision within post-16 EHCPs and to organise and attend the ICBs preparation for both area Ofsted/CQC SEND inspections, engagement meetings and follow on action working parties. The Associate DCO will remain up-to-date and respond flexibly to changing government SEND requirements and SEND frameworks and have a commitment to tackling health inequalities. The Associate DCO will work closely with partners to improve quality of life, reduce school absences, improve mental and physical health, increase personal autonomy and increase involvement in further education and employment, independent living, and community inclusion. Person Specification Essential Essential Holder of relevant professional qualification with clinical experience in working with children and young people with SEND. Such as, HCPC registered health professional or Registered Nurse with experience in Specialist Community children and family, Public Health Nurse or Special School Nurse First Level Degree or Master qualification or equivalent in relevant subject or equivalent knowledge / experience Essential Essential Developed and specialist knowledge in relation to the SEND inc. relevant legislation and SEND Code of Practice (2015), local and national policy, guidance and good practice and the issues affecting outcomes of children, young people, families with SEND Experience as a clinician in the field of SEND Experience of working across organisations and co-designing, co-developing and co-delivering work programmes alongside people with SEND and family carers. Proven professional communication skills with an emphasis on communicating across organisational boundaries and also specifically with parents, carers and children and young people Proven experience and ability to identify risks, anticipate issues and create solutions and to resolve problems in relation to SEND cases, project or service delivery, making sound and reasoned judgements and recommendations from a multitude of potential options. Proven ability to work autonomously, manage own workload, prioritising and adjusting plans and resource requirements according to changing dynamics Act as an expert health resource for information, advice, guidance and support for families and professionals relating to SEND Proven understanding of finances and costs in relation to responsibilities and budgets across health, education and social care Person Specification Essential Essential Holder of relevant professional qualification with clinical experience in working with children and young people with SEND. Such as, HCPC registered health professional or Registered Nurse with experience in Specialist Community children and family, Public Health Nurse or Special School Nurse First Level Degree or Master qualification or equivalent in relevant subject or equivalent knowledge / experience Essential Essential Developed and specialist knowledge in relation to the SEND inc. relevant legislation and SEND Code of Practice (2015), local and national policy, guidance and good practice and the issues affecting outcomes of children, young people, families with SEND Experience as a clinician in the field of SEND Experience of working across organisations and co-designing, co-developing and co-delivering work programmes alongside people with SEND and family carers. Proven professional communication skills with an emphasis on communicating across organisational boundaries and also specifically with parents, carers and children and young people Proven experience and ability to identify risks, anticipate issues and create solutions and to resolve problems in relation to SEND cases, project or service delivery, making sound and reasoned judgements and recommendations from a multitude of potential options. Proven ability to work autonomously, manage own workload, prioritising and adjusting plans and resource requirements according to changing dynamics Act as an expert health resource for information, advice, guidance and support for families and professionals relating to SEND Proven understanding of finances and costs in relation to responsibilities and budgets across health, education and social care Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name NHS Coventry & Warwickshire Integrated Care Board Address Shire Hall, Warwick Market Place Warwick CV34 4RL Employer's website https://www.happyhealthylives.uk/integrated-care-board/ (Opens in a new tab)