Designated Social Care Officer – Children and Families Service

If you are a passionate professional with extensive experience of working with SEND children and young people, who is keen to deliver, support and develop exceptional practice in a supportive and creative environment then we want to hear from you.

The Designated Social Care Officer (DSCO) plays a key strategic role in leading, supporting and implementing SEND strategies across the local area to improve the effectiveness of multi-agency working for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities.

Dynamic, innovative, committed and passionate, you’ll bring a comprehensive knowledge and skill-base to the role and our work with SEND children and families.

As the Designated Social Care Officer, based within the Disabled Children’s Service, you will have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of social care operations, legislative requirements and the SEND strategy, leading on negotiation and stakeholder engagement, galvanising opportunities for co-production to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Our service seeks to actively contribute to organisational learning through recognising, promoting and supporting best practice and service development where required, retaining a clear focus on positive outcomes for children and families across the borough. Hackney is proud of its organisational learning culture and strives to find innovative ways of engaging and facilitating change with children and their families.

Over recent years we have become renowned for innovation. From Anti-Racist Practice, Contextual Safeguarding and the Safe and Together model , we have challenged norms and carved new paths. We value systemic leadership and encourage devolved decision-making at all levels – with senior managers working alongside front-line staff. Our teams are given excellent development opportunities and we are proud to be the first local authority to provide post-graduate qualifications in systemic practice.

An enhanced DBS check is required

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 21 September 2025 (22:59)

Interview date: 02 October 2025

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk

#LI-MH1