Job Information Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us click here. As part of the new Transitions Team, we have the opportunity to offer a permanent role as a Designated Social Care Officer, sitting within the SEND Service in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. The Designated Social Care Officer will support children’s social care compliance with the legislation and spirit of the SEND Code of Practice leading to improved outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disability. They will ensure that the outcomes for disabled children and young people and those with Special Educational Needs are maximised by working to improve; quality of life, school absences, social care needs, personal autonomy and involvement in further education and employment, independent living and community inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates with experience in adults or children's social care and those passionate about young people's transition to adulthood. Please note this is a hybrid working role, including a mixture of home and office working. The interviews will take place in person at Maidenhead Town Hall. About the role As a Designated Social Care Officer, you will be responsible for: Ensuring that compliance and spirit of the SEND Code of Practice leads to an improvement in outcomes for children and young people with Special educational needs and disabilities. Communicating with services around RBWM and the neighbouring boroughs. Ensuring that the outcomes for disabled children and young people and those with Special Educational Needs are maximised by working to join communication and actions between Educational, Social care and Health care services. Supporting colleagues in adult and children’s social care to ensure they meet their statutory duties for children and young people with special educational needs and disability (SEND) aged 0-25. Working directly with the Transition Social Worker, sharing duties during periods of absence such as annual leave. For further information about this role, please contact Joanne Dixon by email Joanne.Dixonachievingforchildren.org.uk for an informal discussion. About you As a Designated Social Care Officer you will be: Educated to degree level in social work with proven evidence of Continued Professional Development and registered with Social Work England. Successfully completed Assessed and Supported Year in employment, or the equivalent if prior to 2012, (NQSW year and academic module) or equivalent. Postgraduate qualification/or demonstrated experience in a relevant field i.e. social work, leadership and management. Active Social Work England registration and proven evidence of continuing professional development. Coaching and or mentoring qualification or equivalent level of training and experience relevant to professional development. About our benefits We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to: 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month(Or for term term workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract.) Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension) Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme A range of staff benefits and discounts An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children click here. For our social work offer click here. For our Recruitment Journey, click here. Important Information Start dates: Achieving for Children have set start dates meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month. Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected. Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance. Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). For more information about AfC: Drop in and meet Regina on the first Wednesday of every month at Civic Centre, Twickenham. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.