At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families in early years through engaging programmes and community outreach.
- Company: Join Leicestershire County Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, inclusive environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Open to flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and help them thrive as they start school.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in early years or equivalent, with experience in child development.
The predicted salary is between 27255 - 31022 £ per year.
Do you have a passion for working with children in the early years and want to support children and their families to make the best start in life? If so, come and join our team! As part of the Best Start in Life agenda we are looking to recruit an additional two full‑time equivalent members of our team to work across the county delivering groups such as our Fabulous Two's and PEEP Sessions. You will also be doing outreach work in the community to support the uptake of FEEE and support children with emerging SEND to be 'Ready for School', enhancing their 'Good Level of Development'. We will consider part‑time hours (18.5) for successful candidates. An enhanced DBS check with barred list is required for this post.
Responsibilities
- Deliver early‑years programmes (e.g., Fabulous Two's and PEEP Sessions) across the county.
- Conduct community outreach to promote FEEE and support children with emerging SEND to improve early language and development outcomes.
- Work with parents and children to understand and support early learning needs, particularly in speech, language, and communication.
- Use basic techniques to stimulate speech and language development.
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 3 in an appropriate early years or child care subject or NNEB/BTEC (Nursery Nursing), health, social care, or equivalent.
- Experience working with parents and/or children of pre‑ or school age in supporting parents’ understanding of their child’s early learning needs.
- Experience supporting families with very young children experiencing difficulties in speech, language, communication or other key development areas.
- Knowledge of child development (0‑5) with particular understanding of language development.
- Knowledge of basic techniques that can be used to stimulate speech and language development.
- Knowledge and understanding of different cultures and ethnicities.
- Knowledge of issues that may affect parenting, family development and community inclusion.
- Good delivery skills and ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, including the ability to keep professional records.
Inclusive Practice and Reasonable Adjustments
We expect you to share and deliver accessible and inclusive services that meet the needs of all residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability.
Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part‑time working, job sharing, term‑time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.
Employer
About Leicestershire County Council – At Leicestershire County Council, we’re committed to making a real difference in people’s lives. Our aim is to work with communities and partners to deliver public services that make Leicestershire the best possible place to live and work for everyone. Our employees play a key role in supporting this goal and helping us deliver the vital services we provide. Whether you’re starting your career or looking for your next challenge, you’ll find a place with us where your ideas are valued, and your work has purpose.
Best Start Inclusion Practitioner employer: Leicestershire County Council
Leicestershire County Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community, particularly through its Best Start Inclusion Practitioner role. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working options, and a supportive work culture, we empower our staff to thrive while delivering essential services that enhance the lives of children and families across the county. Join us to be part of a team where your contributions are valued and you can truly make a difference.
Contact Details:
Leicestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Best Start Inclusion Practitioner
✨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 Leicestershire County 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 Leicestershire County 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 Leicestershire County 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 Leicestershire County 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 Best Start Inclusion Practitioner
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 Leicestershire County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Leicestershire County 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 Leicestershire County 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.
