Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

We are looking for an SEND Early Years Support Worker to join the SEND Service on a full time and fixed term contract basis (11 months).

As an SEND Early Years Support Worker, you will support families and education providers to implement the advice and recommendations of the Early Years SEND Advisor for families and settings. You will provide advice and support to early years settings, childminders and families on the management and support of children with SEND. You will work collaboratively with families and schools to consider all educational provision suitable for the child, promoting inclusion at all times.

You will play a key role in supporting families and early years education providers to implement the advice and recommendations of the Early Years SEND Advisor. Working collaboratively with families, settings and childminders, you will help ensure that children with SEND receive high-quality early provision that is inclusive, responsive and built on high expectations. You will support early years providers to create inclusive learning environments, enabling children to access education fully and removing barriers to learning wherever they arise. Through partnership working, you will provide guidance, advice and practical support to strengthen SEND practice across settings.

To be successful in this role, it is essential that you have sound knowledge and understanding of the SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 and Education Health and Care Plans, Children and Families Act 2014 and Equality Act 2010. Previous experience of liaising effectively and professionally with families, education staff and partner agencies both in writing and verbally is highly essential. You need to be proficient in various IT packages, be well organised and be able to prioritise and meet deadlines.

To be considered for this role, you must have experience of working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and a Level 3 qualification in Early Years/Childcare/Health/Social Care or equivalent.

Your application will not be considered if you do not have at least GCSE Grade 4/C in English and Maths or equivalent and this must be evidenced with a certificate.

Your application will not be considered if you do not have a full driving Licence.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

“Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above. This will be dependent on the volume of applications received.”

 Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.