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- Tasks: Lead the development of SEND services and ensure children's voices are heard.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to improving lives in Luton.
- Benefits: Generous salary, flexible working, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families with SEND.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification in Social Work and experience in SEND services.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with a focus on innovation and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 57000 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: ÂŁ53,460 - ÂŁ56,681 a year plus ÂŁ3,203 car benefit allowance
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
As Designated Social Care Officer, you will be responsible for the strategic development, operational delivery, and continuous improvement of Children’s Services and statutory social work interventions relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You will act as the lead officer for Social Care within the Local Area SEND Service, influencing the design and delivery of services that reflect the needs and voices of children, young people, and families. Working closely with NHS and Department for Education colleagues, you will help shape a coherent, joined‑up SEND strategy that meets our legal duties under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice (2015).
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for social care elements of the Local Area SEND strategy.
- Collaborate with multi‑agency partners to design and deliver integrated, person‑centred services.
- Use intelligence, data, and insight to inform service development and drive performance.
- Champion the voice of children, young people, and families – ensuring they are heard and reflected in decisions.
- Strengthen cross‑sector relationships, including with education, health, voluntary sector partners, and the Parent Carer Forum (EPIC Luton).
- Support the transition of young people with SEND into adulthood through effective cross‑agency planning.
About You
You are a dynamic, influential professional with deep expertise in SEND and a strong background in social care. You are passionate about achieving positive outcomes for children and families and bring strategic thinking, partnership‑building, and a solution‑focused mindset.
You Will Bring
- A recognised professional qualification in Social Work.
- Significant experience leading and developing SEND services in collaboration with multi‑agency partners.
- A strong track record of motivating and managing teams to achieve performance outcomes.
- In‑depth knowledge of key SEND legislation and policies, including the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice, and equalities legislation.
- Proven ability to increase participation of families in service design and delivery.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills – with the ability to work across all levels and sectors.
- Experience of preparing high‑quality reports and strategic briefings to shape service direction.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to play a central role in shaping the future of SEND services in Luton. You’ll be part of a forward‑thinking, collaborative leadership team committed to innovation, inclusion, and co‑production. We offer a supportive work environment where your expertise will directly contribute to improving outcomes for children and families across the borough.
About Us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no‑one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents. The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce!
Application process
Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). A person’s criminal record will not in itself prevent a person from being appointed to this post. Applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. However in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such offence, as detailed above, will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority.
Additional Information
- From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
- Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
- Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
- Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
- Generous relocation package: up to ÂŁ8,000 (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
- Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part‑time hours and alternative working patterns
- Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
- Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
- Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel
- Friday Funday Socials - One Friday every 2 months where we encourage our staff to get together to socialise after work
Designated Social Care Officer for SEND in Luton employer: Luton Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Luton Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Designated Social Care Officer for SEND in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the SEND field on LinkedIn or at local events. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's SEND strategy and recent initiatives. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with the role. Highlight your strategic thinking and partnership-building skills, as these are key for the Designated Social Care Officer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Designated Social Care Officer for SEND in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the role of Designated Social Care Officer for SEND. We want to see how your background fits into our vision for improving services for children and families.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working in SEND shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, as we’re looking for someone who is genuinely passionate about achieving positive outcomes for children and families.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Luton Borough Council
✨Know Your SEND Legislation
Make sure you brush up on key legislation like the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the legal framework and can navigate it effectively in your role.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Skills
This role requires working closely with various agencies, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight specific projects where you’ve built partnerships and influenced service delivery.
✨Champion the Voice of Families
Demonstrate your commitment to including children, young people, and families in decision-making. Share experiences where you’ve actively sought their input and how it shaped service design or delivery.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Think about challenges you might face in this role and how you would approach them, especially in terms of cross-agency planning and service improvement.
