This is a unique opportunity, and we are looking for a post holder with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the social care and SEND agenda. Someone who can identify areas for improvement, agree and implement service transformation and practice improvement to ensure the best possible outcomes for vulnerable children and their families specifically those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). WHAT IS INVOLVED? The post holder will lead strategically in framing and developing social care elements of the SEND Strategy across the local authority, in compliance with legislative requirements of the SEND Code of Practice (2015). The role will inform and influence the direction of wider SEND services and support the Local Area Nominated Officer and Designated Clinical Officer in building capacity and local collaboration to support the cultural change required to develop SEND reforms across Health, Education and Children’s Services. We are looking for someone who will deliver improvement through system development, service improvement projects and reviews working with managers and staff in Children and Young People’s Services. Lead and support the workforce and their development, and work with a wide range of colleagues across not only Children and Young People’s Services but also partners to ensure improvement and impact can be demonstrated through effective planning and joined up service delivery. The candidate will be a source of expert professional advice on SEND relating to social care within the service and County and the post holder should demonstrate a clear commitment and passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The post holder will have the ability to negotiate and influence others, build and nurture effective partnerships and work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders and exploit opportunities for co-production. We encourage you to contact Judith Bowman via email at Judith.bowman@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role. WHAT WILL I NEED? Required qualifications: Educated to degree level in a related subject (social care field) OR Professional qualification to Degree Standard in Social Work, Teaching, Health or Youth WorkOR Management qualification to level 5 or equivalent Proven commitment to Professional Development. If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure. Our commitment to safeguarding Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought - inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children. INTERVIEWS Interviews will be held on 20/05/26 We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran. OUR OFFER TO YOU We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process. HOW TO APPLY Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. Please visit our website (https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/2083/How-to-apply-for-a-job-with-us) to understand our position on using AI to support to your application and for guidance on completing your application. If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentCYPS@durham.gov.uk All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates. CONNECT WITH US Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Visit our website VPRS/161