At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with social and emotional needs through assessments and interventions.
- Company: Inclusive authority dedicated to improving lives of children and young people.
- Benefits: Permanent position, term time only, with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values trust, respect, ambition, collaboration, and kindness.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children facing challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience working with children with SEMH needs and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
- Terms & Conditions: Permanent, 37 hours a week Term Time Only
- Department: People, Education, SEND Support Service
- Closing date: 4th October 2026 at midnight.
- Interview and observation date: 9th October 2026
Are you a highly motivated practitioner with a desire to improve the lives of children and young people (CYP) with social and emotional needs? Are you skilled at working with CYP who often struggle to engage with adults because of their significant distress? This inclusive authority is looking for a Specialist SEND Practitioner (SSP) to work with children with a range of social emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs in schools and settings across Blackburn with Darwen.
You will have experience of working in schools/settings with children with SEMH needs. You will be confident in working on your own initiative as you will have a significant amount of responsibility for planning and delivering interventions. The SEMH team works mainly with children from Y1 through to High School. The SEMH team are a creative, caring and hard-working group of staff comprising a Lead Teacher, an Advisory Teacher, and two other SSPs.
You will join the SEND Support Service, a team of highly regarded and experienced professionals, dedicated to overcoming the barriers to inclusion for children with a range of SEND. With almost 70 specialist staff covering all areas of SEND, you will have lots of opportunities to develop and grow as a SEND expert. You will be surrounded by people who share our BwD TRACK values (Trust, Respect, Ambition, Collaboration and Kindness).
We are looking for a practitioner who:
- will work flexibly carrying out assessments, providing advice, and delivering interventions to improve children’s outcomes
- enjoys collaborative working with families, settings and professionals across a range of services
- can produce high quality written reports required for panels and meetings.
As the post involves travel around the borough you will need a current driver’s licence and access to a car. Shortlisting decisions will be based on how you demonstrate you meet each of the Key Requirements. Please make sure that your application provides concise evidence of this. As well as completing the application form, you can submit an additional document (no more than 1500 words).
If you would like to find out more about this role, please contact Robert Robinson - Manager SEND Support Service (during school holidays or term).
Specialist SEND Practitioner (SSP) Social Emotional and Mental Health Needs employer: Blackburn with Darwen Council
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. As a Social Worker in the Transformation in Adult Supported Living role, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with complex needs while benefiting from ongoing training and collaboration with key partners in the community. Located in a vibrant area, the council fosters a sense of belonging and encourages innovative approaches to social care.
Contact Details:
Blackburn with Darwen Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist SEND Practitioner (SSP) Social Emotional and Mental Health Needs
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Blackburn with Darwen Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Blackburn with Darwen Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Blackburn with Darwen Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Blackburn with Darwen Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist SEND Practitioner (SSP) Social Emotional and Mental Health Needs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Blackburn with Darwen Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Blackburn with Darwen Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackburn with Darwen Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
