The starting salary for this role is £27,969 per annum based on 36 hours per week across 39 weeks per year (term time working) pro-rata to £32,512.
We have exciting opportunities for Specialist Support Workers to join our fantastic Specialist Early Education Service (SEES), which is part of the Surrey Educational Psychology Service (EPS).
We have various full-time and part-time positions available in the following areas:
- North East - Spelthorne, Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell
- South East - Tandridge, Reigate and Banstead and Mole Valley
- North West - Woking, Runnymede and Surrey Heath
We offer a full induction programme, comprehensive training opportunities and professional supervision to ensure both your confidence and competence in the role.
Rewards and benefits
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the team
The Specialist early Education Service delivers a range of specialist early education programmes such as Portage, Positive Play Programme, Communication and Play Programme (CAPP) and Local Early Autism Programme. All SEES programmes draw on evidence-based strategies that are widely recognised as good practice for supporting the learning of children with developmental needs.
Using a play-based approach, children's development is assessed and areas of need identified. We work closely with parents/carers and other professionals to provide them with the confidence and knowledge to support children to make progress.
About the role
As a Specialist Support Worker you would be involved in working with families in their homes and in the child's early years setting to support parents/carers and practitioners with pre-school children (aged 0 - 5 years) with a variety of developmental needs.
The children we support have complex medical, physical and learning needs, this includes children with significant development needs such as social communication difficulties and autism.
Specialist Support Workers are managed and supervised by the SEES Teaching Leads who manage the teams in the four quadrants of Surrey.
This is a really varied and interesting role, and on a day-to-day basis you can expect to be involved in the following:
- Direct work with children, families and pre-school staff in the home, pre-school and community settings
- Assessment, planning, implementation and review of all individualised intervention programmes
- Preparing resources and implementing strategies to support children's learning
- Keeping and maintaining accurate professional records
The Specialist Early Education Service consists of supportive team colleagues and contributions are welcomed and valued. Feedback from parents, carers, educational settings and other professionals have indicated high levels of impact with regards to children's progress and families' knowledge and wellbeing.
Shortlisting criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your CV and personal statement will need to clearly evidence the following:
- Qualification in early education or a relevant field: NNEB certificate, NVQ level 3, degree or equivalent qualification
- Experience of working with early years children and a good knowledge of child development
- Practical knowledge and experience of working with families and children with special educational needs
- Sensitivity and professionalism when working with vulnerable families
- Ability to work independently by making effective use of time management and organisational skills
- Able to work as part of a small team and communicate well with a range of professionals who work with young children
- High quality verbal and written communication skills. This includes the writing of detailed reports which accurately and clearly describe a child's progress
Surrey has both urban and rural areas and locality based workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.
Contact us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 26.06.2024.
Interview dates to be confirmed but likely to be Tuesday 9th and Thursday 11th July 2024.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applications where:
- The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
- The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.