Community Life Skills Practitioner

Thurrock Council; Thurrock; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Hybrid working opportunities

Training & development

Wellbeing support

Staff discounts

Job summary

Thurrock Council is seeking a Community Life Skills Practitioner to support children and young people with disabilities aged 6-18, helping them access community activities and targeted life-skill sessions.

The role includes safeguarding responsibilities, medication administration training, and documenting progress while promoting independence and social interaction within an inclusive, community-based setting.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required.
• Commitment to promoting inclusion, independence and positive outcomes for children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to children and young people with disabilities aged 6-18.
• Assist children and young people in accessing community based activities and life skill sessions.
• Support with the safe administration of medication when required (full training provided).
• Complete relevant training to effectively support, advise and advocate for children and young people where necessary.
• Monitor and report changes in behaviour, wellbeing or safeguarding concerns to senior staff.
• Maintain accurate records, reports and required documentation.
• Promote independence and life skills development through positive engagement and support.
• Encourage social interaction, communication and friendship-building among peers.
• Support planning, organisation and delivery of safe, inclusive activities.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team to provide a high-quality service for children and young people in Thurrock.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Inclusion & independence

Job description

Job Title: Community Life Skills Practitioner

Salary: £14.22 per hour

Grade: B

Working Hours: Flexible Hours available including after-school sessions, Saturdays and school holidays. There will be an expectation of 3 hours per week available.

About the Department

We are looking for an enthusiastic, compassionate and dedicated individual to join our team as a Community Life Skills Practitioner within the Disabled Children's Short Breaks and Outreach Service.

This is a rewarding and varied role that offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people with disabilities across Thurrock. You will support and encourage independence through community-based activities and targeted life skills sessions delivered in an accessible and inclusive environment.

About the Role

The successful applicant will:

• Provide direct support to children and young people with disabilities aged 6-18.
• Assist children and young people in accessing community based activities and targeted life skill sessions.
• Support with the safe administration of medication when required (full training is provided)
• Complete relevant training to effectively support, advise and advocate for children and young people where necessary
• Monitor and report any changes in behaviour, wellbeing or safeguarding concerns to senior staff.
• Maintain accurate records, reports and required documentation.
• Promote independence and life skills development through positive engagement and support.
• Encourage social interaction, communication and friendship-building among peers.
• Support the planning, organisation and delivery of safe, inclusive and enjoyable activities.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team to provide a high-quality service for children and young people in Thurrock.
• Demonstrate professional, effective and respectful communication with colleagues, children, young people and their families.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications and Experience

• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with disabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required.
• Commitment to promoting inclusion, independence and positive outcomes for children and young people

Desirable (but not essential)

• Previous experience working with disabled children and young people
• Experience delivering community-based activities, youth work or life skills program's
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and inclusive practice

We welcome applications from individuals who may not meet all of the desirable criteria but can demonstrate values, enthusiasm and commitment required for the role.

DBS Check: Enhanced DBS Check with Children's Barred List is required for this role.

Benefits of Working with Us

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 15th October 2026

Closing Date (Internal & External): 25th October 2026

Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Additional Information

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Lauren Riddick, Centre Manager or Laura Hayden or Jackie Harper Deputy Manager's on 01375 652200.