Designated Clinical Officer (SEND) SG/Glos

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 and Collaboration with Parent Carer organisations: Attend and 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.

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.

Details
Date posted: 23 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £57,528 to £64,750 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share
Reference number: 461-ICB-6240TG
Job locations: Bristol, Gloucester and hybrid working, Floor 2, North Wing, 100 Temple Street, Bristol Gloucester, BS1 6AG, United Kingdom

Person Specification (Essential)

• Registered Health Professional (NMC, HCPC, GMC, etc.)
• Member of relevant professional body
• Educated to master's 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 day to day work.
• Must have an understanding of the background to and aims of current healthcare policy and appreciate the implications of this on engagement.
• A good understanding of the relationship between NHS organisations and wider system, regional and national organisations.

Desirable

• Comprehensive experience of project principles techniques and tools such as Prince 2 and Managing Successful Projects.

Communication and Management Skills (Essential)

• Must be able to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information, negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues, and present complex and sensitive information to large and influential groups.
• Must be able to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of the individuals.
• Budget Holder

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website. Apply through our website.