ACCESS AND INCLUSION CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE S SERVICE JOB DESCRIPTION PRINCIPAL DISABLED CHILDREN S SERVICE OFFICER

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1 ACCESS AND INCLUSION CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE S SERVICE JOB DESCRIPTION PRINCIPAL DISABLED CHILDREN S SERVICE OFFICER POST: PRINCIPAL DISABLED CHILDREN S SERVICE OFFICER GRADE: SM1 RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of SEND STAFF MANAGED: SEND Locality Team Leaders POST REF: JOB FAMILY : Customer/Client Care and Support DRAFT AT THIS STAGE: No JOB PURPOSE: The post holder is a key member of the Access and Inclusion Senior Management Team. The core focus of this job is to support the Head of SEND in delivery of key performance indicators and to achieve sustainable outcomes for children with disabilities. The post holder will do this by supporting the Head of SEND in the effective commissioning, monitoring, budget management, evaluation and development of services and contracts for disabled children including : Taking responsibility for the management of SEND Locality Team Leaders ensuring that locality teams deliver services to appropriate standards in terms of performance and budget and within overall budgetary constraint Monitoring and reviewing the budgets for children with disabilities in partnership with key agencies and internal/external stakeholders Commissioning appropriate high quality provision for disabled children and inputting into strategic commissioning and quality assurance plans, frameworks and developments insofar as they relate to disabled children and their families Inputting into key strategic developments surrounding the creation of an early intervention//preventative pathway for children with disabilities including working closely with senior colleagues within early intervention services and other internal/external stakeholders Ensuring all managers and staff understand their role and contribution to the Education, Health Care Plan process for children and young people with SEND; their role within the integrated SEND Service (0-25) and the legislative changes brought about by the Children & Families Act Ensuring commitment to the personalisation agenda and improved transitions to ensure that appropriate pathway options for young people with disabilities are determined including maintaining strong and effective partnerships with Health and Adult Services and health commissioners and inputting into strategic developments surrounding the creation of an Integrated Transitions Team.

2 JOB CONTEXT: The Directorate has established an integrated SEND Service (0-25) to provide improved experience for children and young people with SEND and their families, including pathways and key points for assessment and decision making. The role will involve working in an integrated way with a variety of partners, agencies and organisations both internally within the County Council, and externally, to develop and implement plans, policies and procedures relating to activity within the SEND Strategy and the Children and Young People s Plan. The post holder will need to have a commitment to shared values and the common purpose of developing a culture of interagency working; including statutory bodies, third and private sector organisations. They will need to ensure that strategic visions are translated into local plans in collaboration with professionals, partners and service users. A DBS check is required The safeguarding of children and young people is paramount. For those with additional and complex needs this is an area requiring specialist skills and knowledge. This will be ensured by the post holder maintaining strong professional supervision and oversight of more complex cases via the Head of Safeguarding within the Children s Social Care Service. The post holder and all Social Care staff within the SEND Service (0-25) will continue to access professional development via the Workforce Development Council, maintain their registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), attend CSC development days and work to Children s Social Care policies and procedures. ACCOUNTABILITIES / MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES Operational Management or Operational performance targets Issues Ensure delivery of the functional service area in accordance with current legislative requirements, all relevant policies and procedures and to agreed To support and advise SEND Locality Team Leaders in relation to operational matters and complex cases To use and implement working knowledge of A&I services and act in an advisory capacity to settings, parents and key agencies to direct and implement policies, procedures and seek resolution of complex cases Ensure key professional decisions are made according to the highest standards, using an evidence base Provide appropriate challenge to the decisions of other managers Manage transition points to ensure service areas work in a joined up way Manage performance and quality assurance activity and ensure value for money across service provision, act on inadequate performance as appropriate Set and deliver high service standards Deliver services in line with the One Council approach Improve timeliness of performance across key areas Support the work of the integrated SEND Service (0-25) by ensuring all managers and staff understand their role and contribution to Education, Health, Care Plans ensuring that information is provided by Social Workers and Family Support Workers in relation to the care needs of children and young people with EHCP s, and ensure that workers and appropriate

3 Partnership or Corporate Working Resource management or People Management or Skills Development or Performance Management or Buildings and Infrastructure Systems and Information managers attend annual reviews as and when necessary Input into key strategic developments surrounding the creation of an early intervention//preventative pathway for children with disabilities including working closely with senior colleagues within early intervention services and internal/external stakeholders Develop and maintain good internal and external working relationships with partner organisations, stakeholders and providers around children with disabilities Understand your role in sustaining good relationships across agencies Support other agencies in understanding and complying with their responsibilities regarding the safeguarding of disabled children Ensure performance data relating to safeguarding activity, including activity of other agencies, is routinely collected and analysed To work actively with local health and education professionals and Health and Adult Services as well as other voluntary agencies and bodies and attend relevant inter-agency meetings as appropriate Lead and manage a group of Locality Team Leaders including taking responsibility for all aspects of leadership, performance and appraisal, training, staff development recruitment, attendance management, grievance, discipline and capability Chair panels regarding complex staff issues Contribute to the wider management of SEND resources through robust financial management including adhering to all expenditure targets and ensuring services for disabled children are delivered within the context of overall budgetary constraint Be responsible for service delivery outcomes in your area of responsibility Contribute to the development of annual budget estimates ensuring realisation of efficiency targets whilst maximising delivery of positive outcomes for disabled children Support the Head of SEND in the overall management of budgets for disabled children; effectively guiding managers in resolving any budgetary difficulties to ensure services for disabled children are delivered within financial targets and within the context of overall budgetary constraint Drive continuous performance improvement Assist and support the SEND Service (0-25) with the collation of relevant data in order to identify and set key performance measures and indicators Ensure that all performance reporting is timely and accurate so as to enable strategic and operational managers to make informed decisions Ensure that strategic plans accurately reflect needs assessments and deliver on priorities in line with key performance indicators and required outcomes Take responsibility for compliance with national performance reporting guidance and frameworks including inspection data Ensure that operational delivery plans are effectively monitored and tracked with adherence to formal reporting mechanisms so as to ensure delivery within timescales Ensure service information is shared with relevant other agencies and key stakeholders in order to ensure access to services is smooth and effective Refer issues of poor practice, issues of media interest and any other issues that require reporting to appropriate senior managers Share information and ensure good practice is in place regarding confidentiality and data protection Ensure performance monitoring information is routinely available to Locality

4 Strategic Management or Strategic Planning or Planning and Organising or Strategy Development Child and young person development Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child or young person Team Leaders and others as appropriate Understand the importance of sharing information, how it can help and the risks of not doing so Ensure effective systems and data based information handling; bringing together shared information and making good use of available information Ensure all managers and staff maintain timely and accurate records and work processes; ensure effective use of the case management system so as to evidence required standards, performance and outcomes Support the Head of SEND in delivering change and innovative solutions to service delivery and development Support the Head of SEND in ensuring an effective commissioning strategy and quality assurance framework is developed and delivered in relation to services for disabled children and that commissioned services are monitored and evaluated with inbuilt challenges where services are not delivering to specification; ensure that all frameworks evidence the outcomes of services commissioned and delivered for disabled children and provide value for money Support the Head of SEND in the development of annual plans and contribute to the wider SEND (0-25) planning process in line with key performance objectives and policies Contribute to Directorate and cross-directorate strategy and policy development Support the Head of SEND in implementing and evaluating a number of development and quality improvement initiatives Contribute to the CYPP and A&I Plan, provide leadership to staff, ensure delivery of high quality, effective services to children and families that respect and are responsive to their needs Complete self assessments that may support national, regional and local benchmarking and reporting, that contribute to strategic and operational planning processes or that support inspection Know that development includes emotional, physical, intellectual, social, moral and character growth and know that they can all affect one another Understand your role in promoting the normal development of young people Ensure service policies and procedures support the development of young people Ensure SEND priorities and service objectives are in line with the Children and Young People s Plan and SEND Strategy Understand the systems for obtaining support and reporting concerns The safeguarding of children and young people is paramount. For those with additional and complex needs this is an area requiring specialist skills and knowledge. This will be ensured by the post holder maintaining strong professional supervision and oversight of more complex cases via the Head of Safeguarding within the Children s Social Care Service Ensure that all managers and staff access professional development via the Workforce Development Council, maintain registration with the HCPC, attend CSC development days and work to Children s Social Care policies and procedures Be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people that you are responsible for and come into contact with Understand systems in place to protect children and your role in their effectiveness Involve children and young people as appropriate when taking action that affects them

5 Supporting Transitions Be responsible for ensuring the Locality Team Leaders are accountable for the delivery of service performance Ensure Government guidance and legislation is interpreted appropriately and adhered to in a manner consistent with best practice Monitor and evaluate service outcomes in relation to safeguarding children Monitor and evaluate case files and decision making to ensure standards and high quality provision Ensure appropriate standards are in place in anticipation of inspections and other quality assurance exercises Contribute to the strategic planning in relation to the establishment of an Integrated Transitions Service in partnership with internal/external stakeholders Manage placement transitions processes and ensure on-going improvement in order to sustain positive outcomes for children Ensure children and young people are consulted and participate in decisions relating to transitions Ensure engagement in the process of transition in a timely way and help the child or young person reach a positive outcome Understand your own role and its limits and the importance of providing care and support Communications Ensure systems, policies and procedures are in place to ensure children and young people with disabilities participate fully in services Ensure systems, policies and procedures are in place to fully involve families in planning and decision making Ensure the engagement of children and families is evaluated and used to improve practice Investigate and respond to complaints from service users/relatives/carers and other agencies/bodies Data Protection To comply with the County Council s policies and supporting documentation in relation to Information Governance this includes Data Protection, Information Security and Confidentiality. Health and Safety Be aware of and implement your health and safety responsibilities as an employee and where appropriate any additional specialist or managerial health and safety responsibilities as defined in the Health and Safety policy and procedure. To work with colleagues and others to maintain health, safety and welfare within the working environment. Equalities We aim to make sure that services are provided fairly to all sections of our community, and that all our existing and future employees have equal opportunities. Ensure services are developed and delivered in accordance with the aims of the Equality Policy Statement in response to the needs and aspirations of service users. Flexibility North Yorkshire County Council provides front line services, which recognises the need to respond flexibly to changing demands and circumstances. Whilst this job outline provides a summary of the post, this may need to be adapted or adjusted to meet changing circumstances. Such changes would be commensurate with the grading of the post and would be subject to consultation. All staff are required to comply with County Council Policies and Procedures. Customer Service The County Council requires a commitment to equity of access and outcomes, this will include due regard to equality, diversity, dignity, respect and human rights and working with others to keep vulnerable people safe

6 from abuse and mistreatment. The County Council requires that staff offer the best level of service to their customers and behave in a way that gives them confidence. Customers will be treated as individuals, with respect for their diversity, culture and values. Date of Issue: April 2014 Structure: Head of SEND Head of Safeguarding Children s Social Care Principal Disabled Children s Service Officer SEND Locality Team Leaders

7 PERSON SPECIFICATION JOB TITLE: _PRINCIPAL DISABLED CHILDREN S SERVICE OFFICER Essential upon appointment Knowledge Extensive knowledge and fundamental understanding of current research and good practice standards in relation to children with disabilities, children and young people & families at a local and national level. Extensive knowledge of the legal framework for working with children & families, Awareness of current national developments for children with disabilities, children and families. In depth knowledge of Local Authority policies in relation to children with disabilities including all relevant safeguarding policy and implications for the work of self and staff Knowledge of political context for the work Extensive knowledge of person centred/outcome focussed assessment and planning and the personalisation agenda Experience Extensive post qualifying experience within a relevant professional field. Extensive case management experience of cases with complex, professional and ethical issues including child protection, court proceedings, case conferences and other formal processes. Substantial experience as a manager in Children s Services. Experience of people management including managing recruitment, discipline and grievance processes and performance management Extensive experience of working within statutory guidance and within strict statutory timelines Experience of budget management including budget planning, expenditure Desirable on appointment (if not attained, development may be provided for successful candidate) Knowledge of performance improvement methodologies Knowledge of project management methodologies Knowledge of continuing healthcare policy including children s continuing care and NHS Mandate Knowledge of funding methodologies for high need children and young people with SEN Experience of working with Directors and Members

8 Essential upon appointment control, and identifying savings. Substantial experience of intra and inter-agency work at senior manager level. Able to demonstrate examples of making a practical difference. Experience of service and/or policy planning and development Experience of successfully planning for and contributing to OFSTED inspection processes Occupational Skills Ability to champion change and to support services during periods of change and development, minimising the impact on staff morale and maximising the positive outcome Ability to monitor services and practices to ensure agreed standards are maintained and intervene constructively where necessary Excellent communication skills, verbal & written, including the ability to use different methods according to service users and professionals differing needs. Good negotiation and report writing skills. Good political skills and ability to operate effectively and promote services for children and young people in a political environment Ability to plan and develop new ways of working, including integration with other key agencies. Leadership skills and the ability to promote the organisation s policy and objectives Strategic thinking Good level of IT literacy, sufficient to manipulate documents and spreadsheets and to interrogate case recording systems Qualifications Fully qualified, accredited social work professional status (CQSW, DipSW, CSS, ) Current registration with Health and Care Professions Council Desirable on appointment (if not attained, development may be provided for successful candidate) Formal project management training Management qualification Advanced or Post-Qualifying professional training Degree level qualification in relevant area

9 Essential upon appointment Other Requirements Ability to travel across the County Understanding of County equality and diversity issues Ability to attend meetings outside of normal business hours DBS check required Desirable on appointment (if not attained, development may be provided for successful candidate)

10 Behaviours One Council You ensure that staff understand their individual contribution and that of the team to delivering the council s objectives and outcomes for customers. You empower staff to respond flexibly to the needs of customers, to secure the best outcomes using innovative means of delivery. You identify opportunities to reduce the costs of service delivery, whilst improving the customer experience and ensuring service excellence. Effective Performance (level 4) You operate at a strategic level in relation to managing performance and agreeing organisational goals. You develop a culture where it is clear that a high level of performance is expected in order to achieve service outcomes. You set and manage budgets effectively. Keeping it Professional (level 4 ) You strategically interpret guidelines, for example, government or regulatory guidelines for the Council/Organisation. You strategically lead on the implementation of such guidelines. Working Together (level 4) You strategically plan and work with partners. You advise and lead other managers on partnership working. You lead on partnership bids, contracts and initiatives. In consultation with partners and others you devise, review and evaluate strategies in line with your Directorate / Service needs and effectively communicate them to others and ensure they are implemented. You foster powerful and productive relationships across internal and external services. Community and Customer Focus (level 4) You work strategically to support and develop a culture of effective community engagement and customer outcomes. You interpret new and existing guidelines for customer service and community engagement and develop strategies to effectively implement them. Know and develop yourself and others (level 4) You act strategically to identify the skills and talents required by staff groups to deliver current and future objectives. This includes interpreting new guidelines that have an impact on the learning needs of others and designing/procuring new learning policies/toolkits. You can explain how learning and developed has improved the performance of the organisation Managing Change (level 4) You develop a culture in which change is viewed positively. You strategically lead and direct managers on the changes required and ensure they are implemented and embedded. You ensure that the changes comply with Government and County Council requirements. Inspiring Others (level 4) You provide clear strategic direction within and outside the Council. You create a culture which inspires, motivates and supports people to realise their full potential.