At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children aged 0-5 with developmental needs and work closely with families.
- Company: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and support families in your community.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Childcare and at least two years' experience with SEND.
Sandwell Council is seeking seven passionate and experienced Best Start in Life Inclusion Practitioners to support children aged 0-5 with developmental, additional or emerging needs and their families. Based within one of our seven Best Start Family Hubs, you will play a key role in ensuring children receive the right support at the earliest opportunity, particularly those who are not accessing early years provision or entitlements and those requiring support with their transition into Reception. Working closely with families, early years providers, schools and partner agencies, you will help identify and respond to children's needs without reliance on formal diagnosis, complementing existing SEND services and improving outcomes for children across the borough.
In this role you will:
- Provide direct, flexible support to identify and respond to emerging additional needs in children aged 0-5.
- Work in partnership with parents and carers, providing support through home visits and agreed interventions.
- Support children's development through coaching, modelling good practice and working alongside parents, carers, early years settings, childminders and schools.
- Assess, plan and deliver individual and group activity programmes that meet children's developmental needs.
- Develop and produce high-quality resources that demonstrate effective strategies and interventions for children with additional needs.
- Deliver training and support to individuals and groups within early years settings, community groups and partner services.
- Coordinate provision and ensure appropriate support programmes are in place for children with additional needs.
- Make timely referrals and work collaboratively with Inclusion Support, Children's Services, Early Years Settings, Local Authority teams, NHS services and other partners.
- Complete reports and documentation to a consistently high standard, meeting statutory and organisational deadlines.
Attributes that you would bring to the role:
- NNEB, BTEC or NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education (or equivalent or higher qualification related to Child Development/Education).
- A minimum of two years post-qualification experience of direct work with children aged 0-5 with SEND.
- Experience of working with children with SEND within early years settings.
- Experience of supporting or delivering training to parents and carers.
- Recent practical experience of implementing effective strategies and interventions that improve outcomes for children's development.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage positively and empathetically with parents and carers.
- The ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of professionals and services to secure the best outcomes for children and families.
We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.
If you wish to apply as Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV.
Best Start in Life Inclusion Practitioner in Oldbury employer: Sandwell Council
Sandwell Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment within its award-winning Bereavement Services team. Employees benefit from a strong focus on customer service, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community during significant life events. The council's commitment to employee well-being and development makes it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Best Start in Life Inclusion Practitioner in Oldbury
✨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 Sandwell 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 Sandwell 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 Sandwell 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 Sandwell 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 in Life Inclusion Practitioner in Oldbury
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 Sandwell Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Sandwell 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 Sandwell 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.
