At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children with special educational needs and help families access vital resources.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Yew Tree & West Derby Children Centre.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and training.
- Why this job: Be a hero for children and families in your community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in childcare or equivalent and experience with SEND.
The predicted salary is between 17 - 17 £ per hour.
We are looking for a committed SEND / Disability Link Worker to join our Children's Centre team, helping children aged 0-5 and their families access the right support at the right time. This is a rewarding, hands-on role where you will make a real difference to families in the community.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Facilitate universal early learning groups that support children's speech, language, and development
- Support parents and carers of children with additional needs
- Coordinate multi-agency support via EHAT
- Work with early years providers to support language enrichment and track children's progress
- Lead targeted groups for children with complex needs
- Provide 1:1 support for individual children within the Children's Centre
- Promote inclusive practice and contribute to curriculum planning through the EYFS
- Ensure IEPs are in place, reviewed, and accurately recorded
- Identify training needs relating to SEND and support the development of the centre's training plan
- Coordinate referrals to the Neighbourhood Early Years Team
- Work collaboratively with nurseries, providers, and schools to support transitions
- Maintain strong partnership working with health, education, and community professionals
- Uphold safeguarding principles across all areas of work
- Provide cover for Early Years Practitioners when required to maintain ratios
- Promote equality, inclusion, and high-quality early years practice
What We're Looking For:
Essential Qualifications & Training:
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in childcare, education, health, or social care
- Evidence of professional development relating to SEND
Essential Experience:
- Experience working in special needs or disability services
- Experience supporting vulnerable families
- Experience working with children under 5 and their parents/carers
- Experience of partnership or multi-agency working
- Experience facilitating groups
Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., ASD, ADHD) in children under 5
- Good understanding of child development and early years frameworks (EYFS, ECM, Sure Start)
- Ability to engage parents, including those who may be reluctant to access services
- Strong communication skills and ability to work within a team
- Ability to liaise confidently with professionals across agencies
- Basic IT skills (Word, spreadsheets, email, internet)
Commitment & Other Requirements:
- Commitment to the Vision and Values of Liverpool City Council
- Willingness to undertake training and development
- Enhanced DBS required
- Good recent sickness record (considering equality and reasonable adjustments)
- A driving licence and access to a car are desirable
SEN/Disability Worker in Liverpool employer: First Steps Enterprise Limited
At Yew Tree & West Derby Children Centre, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our SEND/Disability Link Workers. Our team is committed to professional development, offering numerous training opportunities to enhance your skills while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families within the community. Located in Liverpool, we promote a collaborative culture that values diversity and encourages innovative approaches to early years education, ensuring you feel valued and empowered in your role.
Contact Details:
First Steps Enterprise Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN/Disability Worker in Liverpool
✨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 First Steps Enterprise Limited.
✨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 First Steps Enterprise Limited!
✨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 First Steps Enterprise Limited, 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 First Steps Enterprise Limited 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 SEN/Disability Worker in Liverpool
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 First Steps Enterprise Limited:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to First Steps Enterprise Limited! 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 First Steps Enterprise Limited
✨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.
