Description
We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.
The starting salary for this position is £30,738 - £33,194 per annum based on a 36 hour working week, across 39 weeks per year, pro-rata for part-time hours.
We are excited to be hiring a number of Senior Specialist Support Workers to join our fantastic Specialist Early Education Service (SEES), which is part of Surrey's Educational Psychology Service (EPS).
The opportunities on offer are as follows:
1. South East - Tandridge, Reigate and Banstead and Mole Valley - Full-time (36 hours per week over 39 weeks per year), permanent position
2. North West - Woking, Runnymede and Surrey Heath - Part-time (14.40 hours per week over 39 weeks per year), permanent position
3. North East – Spelthorne, Sunbury, Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell - Full-time (36 hours per week over 39 weeks per year), permanent position
Rewards and Benefits
4. An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
5. Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
6. Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
7. A generous local government salary related pension
8. Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
9. 2 paid volunteering days per year
10. Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
11. A strong induction programme, comprehensive training opportunities and professional supervision
About the Role
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.
We 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 Senior Specialist Support Worker is a highly varied role, which has significant social impact. You'll be regularly involved in the following:
12. Supporting the induction of new staff and delivering ongoing support and advice to less experienced members of the team
13. Providing expertise in the use of specialist assessment frameworks such as SCERTS
14. Confidently delivering specialist training programmes such Portage or be willing to develop these skills to a high standard
15. Working with children presenting with the most complex needs
16. Working alongside the other Senior SSWs and Teaching Leads
17. Collation and analysis of SEES area referral and progress Data
18. Working directly with children, families and pre-school staff in the home, pre-school and community settings
19. Being responsible for children's assessment, planning, implementation, and review of all individualised intervention programmes
20. Preparing resources and implementing strategies to support children's learning
Although there is no direct line management responsibility in this role, you will be responsible for providing ongoing support and advice to new and less experienced members of the team.
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:
21. Advanced vocational qualification at level 4, or considerable relevant experience
22. Extensive experience of working with children with a range of severe and complex needs
23. Knowledge of the theory and practice of child development and learning, including suitable activities for encouraging children's physical emotional, communication and social development
24. Expertise in the use of appropriate observation and assessment tools
25. Knowledge of relevant SEN legislation and local guidance
26. Willingness to undertake relevant training and confidence in implementing new learning
27. High level of skill and experience of working with families and children with complex needs
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:
28. NE Area: Lisa Trend / Kathryn Stillwell
29. NW Area: Sara Crane
30. SE Area: Sian Armstong
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 20.07.2025 with interviews to follow.
We look forward to receiving your application,