* Working hours: Full and part-time, term-time hours available
* Posted on: 4 July 2025
* Location: Surrey wide
Description
The starting salary for this role is £27,970 per annum for 36 hours per week across 39 weeks per year (term time working).
We are excited to be hiring Specialist Support Workers to join our fantastic Specialist Early Education Service (SEES), which is part of Surrey's Educational Psychology Service (EPS).
We are advertising for various full-time and part-time vacancies in the following areas:
* North East – Spelthorne, Sunbury, Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell.
* South West - Guildford and Waverley
* South East - Tandridge, Reigate and Banstead and Mole Valley
* North West - Woking, Runnymede and Surrey Heath
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 per year
* Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
* A strong induction programme, comprehensive training opportunities and professional supervision
About the Role
As a Specialist Support Worker you will work with families, both in their homes and in the child's early years setting, to support them and practitioners, with pre-school children (aged 0 – 5 years) with a variety of developmental needs. These children have complex medical, physical and learning needs, some with significant development needs, including social communication difficulties and autism.
The Specialist Early Education Service (SEES) delivers a range of specialist early education programmes such as Portage, Positive Play Programme, Communication and Play Programme 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.
This is a highly varied role, which has significant social impact. As a Specialist Support Worker you'll be regularly involved in the following:
* Working directly with children, families and pre-school staff in the home, pre-school and community settings
* Being responsible for children's assessment, planning, implementation, and review of all individualised intervention programmes
* Preparing resources and implementing strategies to support children's learning
* Writing detailed reports which accurately and clearly describe a child's progress
* Keeping and maintaining accurate professional records
The Specialist Early Education Service (SEES) consist of supportive team colleagues where 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 clearly evidence the following:
* Qualification in early education or a relevant field: an NNEB certificate, an 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
* Ability to demonstrate sensitivity and professionalism when working with vulnerable families
* Ability to work both independently by making effective use of time management and organisational skills, and as part of a small team
* Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
Surrey has both urban and rural areas, and as part of this role you 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. For an informal discussion please contact SEES Area Leads:
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 05.09.2025 with interviews to follow.
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.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.
Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook also provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants 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.
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