At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with disabilities through therapeutic play and family assistance.
- Company: Playskill, a charity dedicated to helping families with pre-school children with physical disabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible working across various settings with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Join a compassionate team and empower families during crucial early intervention stages.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and families with SEND and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 29250 - 29250 £ per year.
Playskill is a Hertfordshire-based charity supporting pre-school children with physical disabilities and their families. The charity relies entirely on voluntary donations to fund its vital services. Using therapeutic play as a tool for development of key milestones, Playskill steps in during the crucial early intervention window when the brain is developing faster than at any other time. We do this through expert therapies, vital in-home support, specialist training and all important social and respite events for the whole family. We stand alongside families throughout the challenges of living with disability, offering guidance, care, and community, helping them to build skills, resilience and networks to face the journey ahead.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated professional to support children aged 0–5 with physical disabilities and delays, alongside their families. This integrated role combines Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) support with holistic family assistance. You will work closely with therapists to deliver therapy programmes and empower families to embed these approaches into daily routines. You will also provide practical and emotional support, helping families navigate health, education, and social care systems. You will have experience working with children and families with SEND, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently across multiple sites and home settings.
JOB DESCRIPTION
- Location: Hemel Hempstead, Watford, home and community settings, as required.
- Hours: 37.5 hours per week/full time
- Salary: £27,1883 (increasing to £29,250 per annum upon successful completion of the SALTAP competencies)
- Contract Type: 12 months (with a view to extend)
- Disclosure Level: Enhanced DBS clearance required
For full details, duties & responsibilities, skills & experience required, please download the recruitment pack at playskill.org/jobs
Integrated SALT Assistant Practitioner Family Support Worker employer: Playskill
Playskill is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of pre-school children with physical disabilities and their families. Located in Hertfordshire, our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and compassion, providing employees with opportunities for professional growth through training and hands-on experience in therapeutic play. Join us in creating a nurturing community where your contributions truly matter, and enjoy the unique advantage of working closely with families during their most crucial developmental stages.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Integrated SALT Assistant Practitioner Family Support Worker
✨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 Playskill.
✨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 Playskill!
✨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 Playskill, 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 Playskill 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 Integrated SALT Assistant Practitioner Family Support Worker
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 Playskill:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Playskill! 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 Playskill
✨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.