Support Planner - Preparing For Adulthood (PFA) Team

Thurrock Council; Thurrock; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Thurrock is seeking a Support Planner for the Preparing For Adulthood Team. This role involves coordinating meetings, completing care assessments, and supporting transition planning for young people with special educational needs or disabilities. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication and negotiation skills, along with an NVQ level 3 in Social Care. Benefits include generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Ongoing training and professional development

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and using own initiative.
• Competent in using word processing and spreadsheet packages.
• Recognises and respects diversity and cultural issues.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Education, Health and Care Plan meetings.
• Complete Care Act assessments and reviews.
• Support statutory transition planning and maintain operational continuity.

Skills

Effective communication

Negotiation skills

Team collaboration

Self-motivated

Cultural awareness

Education

Social Care qualification NVQ level 3

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Title: Support Planner - Preparing For Adulthood Team
Salary: £33 531 - £38 052 per annum
Grade: D
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week

About the Department

Thurrock Council Adult Social Care operates a dedicated Preparing For Adulthood (PFA) Team, which works collaboratively with Children's Social Services, Special Educational Needs, and Health departments to ensure a smooth and well‑supported transition for young people with special educational needs or disabilities, from the age of 16 to 25. Our approach places the young person at the centre of all planning and decision‑making, actively encouraging their participation and engagement throughout assessments. We also recognise the vital role of carers and ensure their involvement is integral to the process.

About the Role

As a Support Planner, you will be responsible for:

• Coordinating and attending Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) meetings, as required under the Children and Families Act 2014, in response to increasing demand.
• Completing Care Act assessments and reviews to ensure compliance and timely delivery of statutory duties.
• Supporting statutory transition planning and maintaining operational continuity through effective communication, data management, and administrative coordination.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference by supporting a smooth transition for young people as they prepare for adulthood, focusing on key outcomes such as employment, independent living, community inclusion, and good health.

What We're Looking For

• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including members of the public, both over the phone and face‑to‑face.
• Commitment to working in a way that empowers service users and creates opportunities for independence and development.
• Competent in using word processing and spreadsheet packages (e.g., Microsoft Word and Excel).
• Strong negotiation skills, including the ability to hold discussions, clarify opinions, and accurately assess information to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Consistently recognises and respects diversity and cultural issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and demonstrate adaptability in a team environment.
• Self‑motivated, with the ability to achieve tasks and maintain high‑quality standards.
• Capable of working independently and using own initiative.
• Ability to record information clearly and concisely.

Essential qualifications: Social Care qualification NVQ level 3/or recognised Social Care or Health qualification.

DBS Check: Enhanced level with Adult and Children's Barred List is required for this post.

Benefits of Working with Us

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• 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

Important Dates

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 8th January 2026
Closing Date (Internal & External): 25th January 2026
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Additional Information

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:

Maita Chapatarongo - Team Manager
| 01375 659687

Application Requirements

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:
Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.

As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management is required for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application.