At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and children with special educational needs through collaboration and targeted sessions.
- Company: Join Thurrock Council, a dynamic organisation making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, hybrid working, and flexible options to suit your lifestyle.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives while shaping the future of your community.
- Qualifications: 3+ years experience with pre-school children and SEND; relevant childcare qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- To work closely with partner agencies, particularly Social Care and Health, in promoting partnership working to meet the needs of the family.
- To support the Family Hubs to engage families that are hard to reach.
- Attend required meetings within the Family Hubs and/or with agencies to suit the needs of the service delivery.
- To work with the School Effectiveness Team within the Family Hubs to provide universal and targeted support, advice, and guidance to parents and carers, aimed at giving children the best possible start in life.
- To plan, deliver all universal and targeted sessions in line with evidence‑based programmes (training provided) and evaluate the impact on family outcomes.
- To offer advice, support, and guidance to parents and carers on their child's education, health, and welfare.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum of 3 years' experience working with pre‑school children and with SEND.
- Experience assessing, planning, implementing, and reviewing targets for children with SEND.
- Experience working with children with a variety of needs, e.g., ASD, sensory impairment, physical difficulties.
- Experience working in partnership with parents and carers, addressing sensitive issues in a supportive manner.
- Experience supporting parents in their children's learning.
- Child Care qualification equal to NVQ Level 3; knowledge of child development; ability to plan for different ages and understanding of parenting strategies.
- Ability to use a variety of computer packages.
- Valid UK driver’s licence and use of car.
- DBS Check: Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required.
Why Thurrock?
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve. The council is moving towards a new community leadership approach involving partnerships with local partners and communities to shape improvement for the years ahead. This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough. Thurrock is located on the north bank of the River Thames and boasts vibrant urban centres, new young communities, and a diverse population of around 160,000 residents. Our community is enriched by cultural and arts venues, the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. Retail and leisure opportunities include Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests and marshes. Thurrock is just a half‑hour train journey from central London and well connected by road.
Staff Benefits
We offer generous annual leave entitlement, hybrid working options, and champion flexible working. Job share applications are welcome.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification. We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website.
Family Hub SEND Practitioner - School Effectiveness Team in Grays employer: Thurrock Council
Thurrock Council is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of families and children. With generous annual leave, hybrid working options, and a strong commitment to equality and diversity, employees are supported in their professional growth while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance. Located just a half-hour from central London, Thurrock provides a vibrant community atmosphere enriched by cultural venues and leisure opportunities, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Hub SEND Practitioner - School Effectiveness Team in Grays
✨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 Thurrock 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 Thurrock 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 Thurrock 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 Thurrock 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 Family Hub SEND Practitioner - School Effectiveness Team in Grays
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 Thurrock Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Thurrock 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 Thurrock 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.
