At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families with young children who have complex needs and coordinate help across agencies.
- Company: Join Salford Council's innovative Early Help and School Readiness Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting families and understanding of SEND challenges.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
About us - Do you want to be part of a creative forward-thinking service that involves everyone in big changes and new, exciting ways of working? Salford Early Help and School Readiness Service is a service at the heart of the local authorities’ commitment to support families in the early stages, preventing their needs escalating to a higher level. We are committed to working with families in an asset-based way: utilising the Salford Family Partnership Model way of working to support families in moving forward.
About the Role - An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Early Support Keyworker, to play a key role in supporting babies, children and young people with complex SEND needs and their families. As an Early Support Key Worker, you will act as a single point of contact and aim to reduce stress by encouraging everyone who is in contact with the baby, child or young person, to work in partnership. The aim is to support better co-ordinated packages of help and advice and to keep parents and carers at the heart of decision making about their child.
About you - We are looking for a passionate, compassionate, and highly motivated professional who is committed to improving outcomes for young children with complex SEND needs and their families. You will have a strong understanding of the challenges, vulnerabilities, and barriers that babies, children and young people with additional needs may experience, alongside the ability to build positive and trusting relationships with families from a wide range of backgrounds.
- You will be confident in coordinating support across multiple agencies, ensuring families receive the right help at the right time while reducing duplication and promoting joined-up working.
- Acting as a key worker, you will be organised, proactive, and skilled in bringing professionals together to plan and deliver effective support, including transitions, assessments, interventions, and the EHCP processes.
- We are seeking someone who is a strong advocate for children and families, able to recognise and build on family strengths while providing both practical and emotional support.
- You will be comfortable representing families in meetings, navigating services, and helping parents access information, guidance, and support relating to areas such as education, health, housing, benefits, and finances.
Most importantly, you will approach your work with enthusiasm, resilience, and a positive, solution-focused mindset. You will thrive in a collaborative environment, demonstrate excellent communication skills, and remain committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and their families.
Please be aware that this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and that you will be required to meet the cost of the DBS check currently £41. The payment for this will be deducted from your first four months’ salary payments at a rate of £10.25 per month. If you do not commence employment for any reason but the DBS has been processed, you will be sent an invoice for the payment of £41.
If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details for how to obtain your Certificates of Good Character.
If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more, please contact Kathleen.curwen@salford.gov.uk and we will be happy to assist.
What we need from you if you are invited to interview:
- Passport/ID - You will be required to provide original documentation confirming your right to work in the UK. Successful candidates will also be required to provide proof of address.
- Qualifications/registrations if applicable for the role.
Want to know more about Salford? As an authority we are dedicated to improving the lives of our residents, and as an employer we are passionate about helping individuals to thrive in their work. We are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture and are proud of our professional accreditations which champion this.
Find out about our city as a place to live, work & grow, and learn more about the amazing work we are doing. You’ll also find out about the wealth of benefits we have to offer you on our Salford pages!
Early Support Key Worker – Stockport in Salford employer: Stockport
Helix Academies Trust is an excellent employer, offering a nurturing work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on students' lives. With a strong focus on professional development and collaboration within a supportive pastoral team, this role at Marple Hall School provides unique opportunities for growth and the chance to contribute to a positive school culture that prioritises student wellbeing and achievement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Support Key Worker – Stockport in Salford
✨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 Stockport.
✨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 Stockport!
✨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 Stockport, 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 Stockport 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 Early Support Key Worker – Stockport in Salford
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 Stockport:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Stockport! 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 Stockport
✨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.
