Designated Clinical Officer (SEND) SG/GlosNHS

Job summary

DCO for SEND supports the Senior DCO to ensure the health needs of children and young people with SEND are identified, planned for and met. The role oversees Place-level statutory duties for people aged 0-25 across Bristol and North Somerset, working with health, education, social care and voluntary sector partners to improve SEND services in line with statutory requirements and evidence-based practice.

The role supports SEND activity across both Local Authorities by:

Acting as a consistent link between local health services and Local Authorities; supporting panel decisions; overseeing the quality of health advice for Education, Health and Care plans; attending SEND Partnership Boards and other meetings; and helping prepare for and support Local Area SEND inspections.

Supporting SEND tribunals through written advice and assistance to health colleagues; contributing to SEND improvement events and service development; supporting Place-level delivery of the 2026 SEND reforms; and working with system partners to resolve issues affecting health services for children and young people with SEND.

Main duties of the job

Work collaboratively with education, health, and social care professionals at Place to ensure a coordinated approach to meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND.

Participate in multi-agency panels, meetings, and case discussions as required at Place.

Provide expert clinical input to complex cases, supporting the identification and management of health needs within EHC plans.

Provide advice and guidance to ICB and health colleagues regarding health responsibilities and statutory duties for children and young people with SEND.

Develop and deliver training for health professionals on SEND processes and statutory responsibilities.

Represent the health sector at Place in SEND-related forums, consultations, and inspections.

Co-production & Collaboration with Parent Carer organisations: Attend & support meetings with Parent Carer Forums and the ICB/ health providers. Support the Senior DCO as required to engage with children, families, and carers, ensuring their voices inform service delivery and improvement.

Advise the Senior DCO of areas for possible improvement at Place, participate in change initiatives as required, and contribute to the development of innovative practices in SEND health provision.

Act as deputy to the Senior DCO as required, providing cover during absence and supporting delivery of all statutory functions.

Job description

Act as the main point of contact at place for support and advice for SEND at Place and work jointly with leads from health, education and social care and the local parent carer forum to plan and implement the local area SEND strategy.

To follow and support ongoing development of processes to meet statutory SEND duties at Place in parallel with others working at Place across the ICB Cluster. This will include:

Quality Assurance of Education Health and Care Advice reports and Plans where provider services are contributing.

Quality Assurance of Education Health and Care Advice for Sections C & G of final plans for Children and young people aged 0-25.

Section 23 Early Notification of SEND processes

SEND Inspection Preparation activities and information collation in conjunction with Senior DCO

SEND Inspection arrangements and representation in conjunction with Senior DCO & Lead SEND Manager

Participation in delivery of actions in local Action Plan / revised SEND Strategy at Place following Area SEND Inspection, taking a lead role as relevant.

Arrangements for Health service support for Statutory SEND Panels at Place level

Person Specification (Essential elements):

Registered Health Professional (NMC, HCPC, GMC, etc.)

Member of relevant professional body

Educated to masters level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area.

Experience in clinical leadership and SEND.

Understanding of SEND legislation and the Code of Practice

Evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development.

Demonstrates good overall digital literacy, with the ability to confidently use computers and digital systems required for daytoday work.

About us

We are committed to creating an inclusive organisation that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that helps us to deliver the best services. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community; from people of all ages, disabled people, all genders, people from ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ+ people, people with diverse gender identity and expression, people from all religions and beliefs and other diverse characteristics, and we have processes in place to ensure that all applications are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.