At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with emerging needs and promote inclusive practices in early years settings.
- Company: Join Southend on Sea City Council, a dynamic local authority making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Work collaboratively with families and professionals to empower children's development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives and help families thrive in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Childcare, Health or Social Care required.
The predicted salary is between 29836 - 36466 £ per year.
Your New Organisation Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance.
As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role Are you passionate about ensuring every child has the best possible start in life? Do you have the knowledge, skills and dedication to champion inclusion and support children with emerging needs and SEND? If so, Southend-on-Sea City Council is looking for a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner to join our Best Start Family Hubs team on a full-time and fixed term contract basis (until 30th March 2029).
Working closely with families, early years providers, health professionals and the Early Years SEND Team, you will play a key role in promoting inclusive practice, supporting early intervention, and ensuring children receive the right support at the right time to thrive and achieve their full potential. As a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner, you will work across Best Start Family Hubs to embed high-quality inclusive practice and support children with emerging additional needs.
You will design and deliver targeted groups and interventions for families, provide practical advice and guidance to parents and carers, and help ensure that children have access to the support they need to succeed. You will work collaboratively with the Early Years SEND Team, health visitors, education settings and partner agencies to identify children who may require additional support at the earliest opportunity.
Through coaching, modelling best practice and sharing evidence-based approaches, you will help strengthen the confidence and capability of practitioners and families alike. A key aspect of the role will involve building trusted relationships with families, empowering them to support their child's development and helping to remove barriers to learning. You will also support effective transitions into early years settings and primary school, ensuring children and families receive a joined-up and positive experience.
You will maintain accurate records, monitor the impact of interventions and contribute to local priorities that improve outcomes for children across Southend. Safeguarding responsibilities will be central to your work, ensuring vulnerable children and families receive appropriate support and protection. To meet the needs of the service the successful candidate will be required to work evening and Saturday morning.
What you'll need to succeed You will have a strong understanding of child development, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and the SEND Code of Practice, alongside experience of identifying and supporting children with emerging needs. You will have proven experience of working successfully with children and families, building positive professional relationships and empowering parents and carers to support their child's development.
Strong communication skills are essential, enabling you to work effectively with families, practitioners and partner agencies in both written and verbal settings. You will be organised, able to manage competing priorities and confident working independently as well as collaboratively within a multi-agency environment. Experience of coaching, advising or supporting practitioners, along with the ability to analyse information, maintain accurate records and produce reports, will be important to your success in the role.
The successful candidate must hold a Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Childcare, Health or Social Care and have GCSEs in English and Maths (Grades A* to C).
What you'll get in return When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training.
A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
R2R105088 - Best Start Inclusion Practitioner - FTC 30/03/2029 in Southend-on-Sea employer: South End City Council
Southend on Sea City Council is an exceptional employer that values creativity and community engagement, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a tangible impact on the cultural landscape of the city. With a strong focus on employee development, collaboration with arts leaders, and opportunities for innovative programming, you will thrive in a supportive culture that prioritises inclusivity and high-quality experiences for all residents and visitors. Join us in shaping the future of Southend's cultural assets while enjoying the benefits of working in a vibrant coastal location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R105088 - Best Start Inclusion Practitioner - FTC 30/03/2029 in Southend-on-Sea
✨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 South End City 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 South End City 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 South End City 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 South End City 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 R2R105088 - Best Start Inclusion Practitioner - FTC 30/03/2029 in Southend-on-Sea
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 South End City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South End City 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 South End City 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.
