At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with Special Educational Needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Specialist SEN school dedicated to personalised education.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, ongoing training, and potential for permanent position.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with additional needs.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN, strong communication skills, and a compassionate approach.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 28000 £ per year.
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEN Keyworker to join a specialist educational setting in Portsmouth from September 2026. This full-time role offers a rewarding opportunity to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs, helping them achieve their full potential in a nurturing and structured environment. The position is initially offered on a long-term basis with the potential to become permanent for the right candidate.
About the School
This welcoming specialist school supports pupils aged 4–16 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, and a range of additional learning and communication needs. With a small and supportive school community, staff work collaboratively to provide highly personalised support that promotes students’ independence, wellbeing, and educational progress. Free on-site parking is available.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a keyworker for identified pupils, providing consistent pastoral, emotional, and educational support.
- Build positive relationships with students to promote engagement, confidence, and personal development.
- Support pupils both in the classroom and during social, recreational, and life-skills activities.
- Assist with implementing individual education, behaviour, and support plans.
- Encourage positive behaviour and help students develop social and communication skills.
- Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and parents to ensure pupils receive effective, joined-up support.
- Monitor progress, maintain accurate records, and contribute to review meetings where appropriate.
- Help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Requirements
- Previous experience working with children or young people with Special Educational Needs, either in education, care, youth work, or a similar setting.
- Understanding of Autism, ADHD, and associated social, emotional, and behavioural needs.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- A patient, resilient, and empathetic approach.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
- Enhanced DBS certificate on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.
Benefits
- Competitive daily rate (£85–£100 per day), dependent on experience.
- Full-time, long-term opportunity within a supportive and inclusive school.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Opportunity to secure a permanent position.
- The chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people with additional needs.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit our website: Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Safeguarding Commitment
Supply Desk is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and must comply with Safer Recruitment standards throughout their employment.
SEN key Worker in Selsey employer: Supply Desk
Join our dedicated team at a specialist SEN school in Portsmouth, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with additional needs. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture, offering ongoing training and professional development to help you grow in your role. With competitive pay, a contributory pension scheme, and the potential for a permanent position, this is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about supporting young people in their educational journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN key Worker in Selsey
✨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 Supply Desk.
✨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 Supply Desk!
✨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 Supply Desk, 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 Supply Desk 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 SEN key Worker in Selsey
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 Supply Desk:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Supply Desk! 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 Supply Desk
✨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.
