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- Tasks: Support families with children who have special educational needs in their own homes.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on empowering parents and enhancing children's development.
- Benefits: Generous leave, wellbeing support, staff discounts, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while building strong family relationships.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification and experience with early years children with SEND.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As a Portage Home Visitor, you will work closely with parents and their children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), providing one‑to‑one support within the family’s home. You will help build parents’ confidence and empower them with the knowledge, skills and strategies needed to understand and meet their child’s individual needs, supporting their development as they grow.
As an experienced Portage Home Visitor, you will promote and uphold the principles of the National Portage Association (NPA) while working collaboratively with children and families across the local authority. In partnership with parents and carers, you will assess children’s developmental needs and design, implement and review individualised programmes of activities. These programmes will be embedded into daily routines and focused on agreed long‑term outcomes.
You will make regular home visits to monitor progress, review development and plan follow‑up activities tailored to each child’s emerging needs. Through one‑to‑one support you will work closely with parents and carers to develop play, communication and positive relationships, empowering them to take a lead role as active partners in their child’s development.
It will be key for you to contribute to the effective day‑to‑day organisation and management of the Portage service, including managing referrals, maintaining accurate records on IT systems, liaising with parents and referring professionals, collecting data and prioritising and organising your own caseload. In addition, you will support the planning and delivery of Portage parent play and stay groups, helping to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for families.
What we need from you
- Hold a relevant qualification, such as NVQ Level 3 in Education, Health or Social Care, NNEB, BTEC or equivalent.
- Have significant experience working with early years children with SEND, including social and communication differences, sensory and physical needs and global developmental delay.
- Have up‑to‑date knowledge of local support services, national organisations and the NPA guidelines.
- Demonstrate knowledge and experience of using augmentative and alternative communication systems, such as Makaton, alongside visual support strategies.
- Be able to produce clear, accurate and person‑centred plans and reports.
- Preferably, you have attended a Portage workshop and have experience working in partnership with parents within the family home.
What you need to know
- This role is hybrid, with a mixture of working at our office in Patchway and from home.
- An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement of employment.
- You must have a full, valid driving licence with regular access to a vehicle or an alternative means of travel, as you will be expected to travel throughout the authority and surrounding area.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave (pro rata), employee wellbeing support and a range of staff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities.
- Access to a comprehensive training and development offer.
- Assurance of a genuine flexibility to help achieve work/life balance.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Portage Home Visitor employer: South Gloucestershire Council
Contact Detail:
South Gloucestershire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Portage Home Visitor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education and health sectors, especially those who work with SEND. They might know of openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to working with families and children with SEND. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for empowering parents and children during interviews. Share specific examples from your experience that highlight your skills in building relationships and supporting development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Portage Home Visitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and families shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant qualifications and experience in your application. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've supported children with SEND, so don’t hold back on sharing those stories!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so use simple language and structure your thoughts well. This will help us understand your skills and experiences better.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Gloucestershire Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the principles of the National Portage Association and the specific needs of children with SEND. Brush up on your knowledge of local support services and communication systems like Makaton. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with families and children with special educational needs. Think of specific examples where you’ve empowered parents or designed individualised programmes. This will help demonstrate your hands-on skills and how you can make a difference.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the Portage service and how they support families. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you too.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way. Be open about your approach to working with families and children. Share your passion for empowering parents and building relationships. This will help the interviewers see how you align with their values and mission.