Specialist Support Worker

Surrey County Council; Walton On The Hill; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government service is looking for Specialist Support Workers to assist pre-school children (0-5 years) with developmental needs, including autism. The role involves working directly with families, implementing interventions, and maintaining records. Applicants should have relevant qualifications and experience in early education. A driving license and willingness to travel are required. This position offers various benefits including training opportunities and employee assistance programs.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Carer's leave

Local government pension

Learning and development hub

Paid volunteering days

Qualifications

• Qualification in early education or related field required.
• Experience with early years children needed.
• Practical knowledge with families and special educational needs.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with children and families.
• Assess and implement individual intervention programs.
• Maintain accurate professional records.

Skills

Working with families

Child development knowledge

Communication skills

Education

NVQ level 3 or equivalent

Job description

The starting salary for this role is £27,970 per annum for 36 hours per week across 39 weeks per year (term time working).

We are excited to be hiring Specialist Support Workers to join our fantastic Specialist Early Education Service (SEES), which is part of Surrey's Educational Psychology Service (EPS).

We are advertising for various full-time and part-time vacancies in the following areas:

• North East - Spelthorne, Sunbury, Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell.
• South West - Guildford and Waverley
• South East - Tandridge, Reigate and Banstead and Mole Valley
• North West - Woking, Runnymede and Surrey Heath

Rewards and Benefits

• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• A strong induction programme, comprehensive training opportunities and professional supervision

About the Role

As a Specialist Support Worker you will work with families, both in their homes and in the child's early years setting, to support them and practitioners, with pre-school children (aged 0 - 5 years) with a variety of developmental needs. These children have complex medical, physical and learning needs, some with significant development needs, including social communication difficulties and autism.

The Specialist Early Education Service (SEES) delivers a range of specialist early education programmes such as Portage, Positive Play Programme, Communication and Play Programme and Local Early Autism Programme. All SEES programmes draw on evidence-based strategies that are widely recognised as good practice for supporting the learning of children with developmental needs.

Using a play-based approach children's development is assessed and areas of need identified. We work closely with parents/carers and other professionals to provide them with the confidence and knowledge to support children to make progress.

This is a highly varied role, which has significant social impact. As a Specialist Support Worker you'll be regularly involved in the following:

• Working directly with children, families and pre-school staff in the home, pre-school and community settings
• Being responsible for children's assessment, planning, implementation, and review of all individualised intervention programmes
• Preparing resources and implementing strategies to support children's learning
• Writing detailed reports which accurately and clearly describe a child's progress
• Keeping and maintaining accurate professional records
• The Specialist Early Education Service (SEES) consist of supportive team colleagues where contributions are welcomed and valued.

Feedback from parents, carers, educational settings and other professionals have indicated high levels of impact with regards to children's progress and families' knowledge and wellbeing.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your CV and personal statement will clearly evidence the following:

• Qualification in early education or a relevant field: an NNEB certificate, an NVQ level 3, degree or equivalent qualification
• Experience of working with early years children and a good knowledge of child development
• Practical knowledge and experience of working with families and children with special educational needs
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity and professionalism when working with vulnerable families
• Ability to work both independently by making effective use of time management and organisational skills, and as part of a small team
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written

Surrey has both urban and rural areas, and as part of this role you will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.

We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.