Deputy Designated Clinical Officer SEND - Band 8a

Only open to staff currently employed by Mid and South Essex ICB, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust and Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.

We are excited to advertise for the role of Deputy Designated Clinical Officer (DDCO) for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to join a dynamic and ambitious team at the ICB. Our team are responsible for working with education, health and care professionals and services to give children and young people a positive experience of health services.

Children and Young People with SEND do not consistently achieve similar outcomes to their peers. Access to services can be challenging, and it can take too long to identify their needs. Mid and South Essex should be a place where all children and young people can be supported in a timely and effective way.

This is an expansive portfolio working with a diverse group of agencies and stakeholders, including children, young people and their families. To support delivery of our statutory functions, we are building capacity in our team and seek applications from motivated, enthusiastic and experienced clinical leaders (qualified nurses or allied health professionals). Supporting the Designated Clinical Officer (DCO) for SEND in Mid & South Essex and working collaboratively across three Local Area Partnerships with Essex County Council, Southend City Council and Thurrock Council, your role will be essential to improving outcomes for children with SEND., The DDCO will undertake delegated projects relating to national and regional guidance and recommendations for children and young people with SEND.

Working with the DCO and alongside the children's commissioning team you will;

Identify opportunities for improving service delivery and governance arrangements for children and young people with SEND.

Support the DCO to hold the ICB to account for delivery of its statutory SEND functions

Act as a critical friend for health teams to help them meet their duties for SEND

Identify and address gaps in knowledge and understanding in the education, health and care system

Quality assure the health components of Education Helath and Care Plans when required

Maintain oversight of performance of health services to meet statutory timescales in issuing advice for Education Health and Care plans

You will be confident to work across organisational boundaries and experienced in developing strong relationships with key stakeholders. You will have a strong understanding of the lived experiences of families in Mid and South Essex.

We welcome applications from individuals with experience of strategic delivery, strong organisational and communication skills and a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Mid and South Essex ICB is a statutory organisation responsible for the planning and delivery of local health and care services, across Mid and South Essex and is part of the wider integrated care system. Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) are partnerships of health and care organisations that come together to plan and deliver joined up services and to improve the health of people who live and work in their area. The headquarters for the organisation is Phoenix Court, Basildon, but there is a hybrid model of working, which includes working across Mid and South Essex and home working.