Portage Officer in Wembley

Salary range: £37,692 - £39,276 p.a. inc. London weighting pro rata.

Contract: 36 month fixed term – end date 31st March 2029.

Hours of work: 36 hours FTE 1.0 – Term Time Working (39 weeks).

Location: Brent Civic Centre as well as other locations as required.

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.

The Role:

• Delivering specialist Portage support and targeted early intervention programmes for children with complex additional needs.
• Supporting children and families within home and group‑based environments.
• Providing advice, guidance and practical support to parents and carers.
• Planning, implementing and reviewing personalised intervention programmes to promote developmental progress.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across education, health and social care.
• Supporting transitions into early years and educational settings.
• Contributing to multi‑agency planning and coordinated support for children and families.
• Maintaining high standards of safeguarding, record keeping and professional practice.

The Person:

Do you have clearly evidenced knowledge and experience of working in the Early Years sector with children with a range of complex SEND across the four broad areas of need? If you are passionate about providing and advising on high‑quality support and interventions for this group of children, then this could be the role for you. You will be an experienced Portage Officer/Early Years Professional with a strong background in supporting children with complex additional needs.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Has significant experience working within the Early Years sector supporting children with complex SEND across the four broad areas of need.
• Demonstrates excellent child development knowledge and a strong commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities.
• Has relevant training and experience in Early Years SEND interventions.
• Has a sound understanding of Early Years and SEND legislation, alongside in‑depth safeguarding knowledge.
• Is confident liaising with parents and carers, early years staff and a range of multi‑agency professionals across education, health and social care.
• Has excellent interpersonal, communication and IT skills.
• Has proven experience planning and implementing intervention sessions that support and promote progress.
• Is able to take initiative, make informed decisions and work confidently in complex situations.
• Can work effectively in partnership with a range of professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and families.
• Is a proactive team player who is adaptable, organised and committed to high‑quality practice.

In this role you will travel across the borough, visiting children and their families, meeting with parents and carers, professionals and, where appropriate, early years settings to support successful transitions. If you are an experienced Portage Officer/Early Years Professional who wants to make a difference to the lives of young children and their families in Brent through delivering dedicated, child‑centred services focused on high‑quality SEND support, we would welcome your application.

What We Offer:

• Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays.
• Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS).
• Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles.
• Supportive family‑friendly policies for parent, guardians, 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 My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, and entertainment.

Closing date Sunday 5th July at 23:59.

Equal Opportunities:

Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourages applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self‑identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section of the application. We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 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.

As a disability confident employer Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including “non‑visible” disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on recruitment@brent.gov.uk.