At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower families and support children with complex needs through early intervention.
- Company: Join Brent's dynamic SEND Outreach Service during an exciting transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 33 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent pension contributions.
- Other info: Brent values diversity and offers a supportive environment for all applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping inclusive practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in Early Years sector and strong commitment to inclusion required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Empower families. Champion early intervention. Give every child the best possible start. Join Brent's dynamic SEND Outreach Service at an exciting time of transformation, as we bring to life the vision set out in the SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan, including the innovative "Experts at Hand" approach. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a forward‑thinking team that places children, young people and their families at the heart of practice, working alongside them as valued partners in shaping inclusive, high‑quality support.
We are seeking passionate, reflective professionals who are committed to co‑production, early intervention and systemic change, and who are inspired by the opportunity to strengthen inclusive practice across settings. In Brent, you will play a vital role in supporting some of our youngest and most vulnerable children, helping them develop the skills, confidence and foundations they need to thrive.
In this exciting role you will work together with two other Portage Officers and as part of the multi‑disciplinary Brent Early Years Inclusion Support Team. You will support some of the most complex young children with additional needs across the borough in both their home setting and a group setting in a local Family Wellbeing Centre. The post requires an excellent understanding and experience of Portage services and having key family support and advisory responsibilities.
Responsibilities- Deliver specialist Portage support and targeted early intervention programmes for children with complex additional needs
- Support children and families within home and group‑based environments
- Provide advice, guidance and practical support to parents and carers
- Plan, implement and review personalised intervention programmes to promote developmental progress
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across education, health and social care
- Support transitions into early years and educational settings
- Contribute to multi‑agency planning and coordinated support for children and families
- Maintain high standards of safeguarding, record keeping and professional practice
- Travel across the borough visiting children, families and early years settings as required
- Significant experience working within the Early Years sector supporting children with complex SEND across the four broad areas of need
- Excellent child development knowledge and a strong commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities
- Relevant training and experience in Early Years SEND interventions
- Sound understanding of Early Years and SEND legislation, alongside in‑depth safeguarding knowledge
- Confident liaising with parents and carers, early years staff and a range of multi‑agency professionals across education, health and social care
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and IT skills
- Proven experience planning and implementing intervention sessions that support and promote progress
- Ability to take initiative, make informed decisions and work confidently in complex situations
- Capacity to work effectively in partnership with a range of professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and families
- Proactive team player who is adaptable, organised and committed to high‑quality practice
- Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays
- Excellent pension with generous employer contributions
- Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles
- Supportive family‑friendly policies for parents, guardians and carers
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans, and season ticket loans
- Travel perks including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme, and great onsite facilities
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career
- Access to a rewards programme with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure and entertainment
Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this. We positively encourage all applicants to self‑identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances. Brent has a positive approach to flexible working and is a disability‑confident employer welcoming applications from people with all disabilities, including "non‑visible" disabilities and mental health conditions. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment process in accordance with the Equality Act. If you require adjustments, please contact the recruitment team.
Closing date: Sunday 5th July at 23:59
Portage Officer in London employer: Brent Council
Brent Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to empowering families and championing early intervention for children with complex needs. With a strong commitment to inclusion, our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through extensive learning opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including up to 33 days of annual leave and health and wellbeing support. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children and their families while being part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portage Officer in London
✨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 Brent 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 Brent 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 Brent 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 Brent 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 Portage Officer in London
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 Brent Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Brent 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 Brent 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.
