At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families of children awaiting neurodevelopmental assessments with guidance and practical help.
- Company: West Yorkshire Neurodevelopmental Early Support Service, dedicated to improving family wellbeing.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, meaningful work, and the chance to make a real difference in the community.
- Other info: Permanent role subject to funding until March 2027, with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Empower families and children while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The West Yorkshire Neurodevelopmental Early Support Service is recruiting to a part time Project Worker role. The role is 30 hours, working between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. The West Yorkshire Neurodevelopmental Early Support Service provides early, preventative and non-clinical support to families of children and young people aged up to 18 who are awaiting neurodevelopmental assessment or who have received a new diagnosis (6 months), including Autism and ADHD pathways.
Operating across Bradford, Calderdale, Leeds, Kirklees and Wakefield, the service responds to prolonged diagnostic waiting times and post‑diagnostic adjustment needs that increase the risk of family distress, escalation of need and pressure on specialist and statutory services. The service delivers a consistent single point of access across West Yorkshire, offering structured triage and a graduated model of support aligned with Early Help principles, the SEND Code of Practice and NHS Waiting Well priorities.
The service focuses on strengthening parental confidence, reducing stress and anxiety, and supporting children and young people to remain engaged in education, community life and universal services while awaiting assessment or adjusting to a new diagnosis. Through timely engagement, practical guidance and clear system navigation, the service aims to prevent escalation to higher‑cost statutory or clinical interventions.
The West Yorkshire Neurodevelopmental Early Support Service delivers measurable improvements for families awaiting neurodevelopmental assessment or adjusting to a new diagnosis, while contributing to system‑wide demand management. Our outcomes include:
- Improved parental confidence and understanding of neurodevelopmental needs.
- Reduced family stress and anxiety.
- Improved emotional regulation and wellbeing for children and young people.
- Sustained engagement with education and community provision.
- Reduced escalation to specialist, statutory and crisis services.
In your role as Neurodevelopmental Early Support Worker, you will be:
- Aspirational for every child, young person, young adult and their families.
- Passionate to enable people to reach their potential and have the best life they want.
- Deliver group work and one‑to‑one direct support to children, young people and parents and carers.
- Approachable, non‑judgemental, respectful and person‑centred.
- Compassionate and creative.
- Honest and transparent.
- A great facilitator treating parents/carers as equals.
- Providing peer support to parents and carers.
- Holding knowledge of local services and developing an offer for parents and carers to access local support available to them, including introducing them to services and being able to access their services.
- Valuing lived experience, being an active listener when parents need support, offering unconditional positive regard and empathy.
Although this contract has a permanent status, please be aware that this post is subject to funding currently to 31st March 2027 and therefore should this funding not be extended further, you may be subject to a redundancy consultation or a TUPE arrangement. This contract is due to expire on 31st March 2027.
West Yorkshire Neurodevelopmental Early Support Worker (30 hours) (23182) in Horsforth employer: BARNARDOS
The West Yorkshire Neurodevelopmental Early Support Service is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a focus on employee growth and development, the service offers opportunities to engage meaningfully with families while making a tangible difference in the community. Located across the vibrant regions of Bradford, Calderdale, Leeds, Kirklees, and Wakefield, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that values compassion, creativity, and respect, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land West Yorkshire Neurodevelopmental Early Support Worker (30 hours) (23182) in Horsforth
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like BARNARDOS, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at BARNARDOS. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through BARNARDOS's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace West Yorkshire Neurodevelopmental Early Support Worker (30 hours) (23182) in Horsforth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at BARNARDOS. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at BARNARDOS.
How to prepare for a job interview at BARNARDOS
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with BARNARDOS.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a West Yorkshire Neurodevelopmental Early Support Worker (30 hours) (23182) at BARNARDOS.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show BARNARDOS that you're ready to hit the ground running in the West Yorkshire Neurodevelopmental Early Support Worker (30 hours) (23182) role.
