How you’ll make a difference
As a Portage Home Visitor, you will work closely with parents and their children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), providing one‑to‑one support within the family’s home. You will help build parents’ confidence and empower them with the knowledge, skills and strategies needed to understand and meet their child’s individual needs, supporting their development as they grow.
What you will be doing
* As an experienced Portage Home Visitor, you will promote and uphold the principles of the National Portage Association (NPA) while working collaboratively with children and families across the local authority.
* In partnership with parents and carers, you will assess children’s developmental needs and design, implement and review individualised programmes of activities. These programmes will be embedded into daily routines and focused on agreed long‑term outcomes.
* You will make regular home visits to monitor progress, review development and plan follow‑up activities tailored to each child’s emerging needs. Through one‑to‑one support you will work closely with parents and carers to develop play, communication and positive relationships, empowering them to take a lead role as active partners in their child’s development.
* It will be key for you to contribute to the effective day‑to‑day organisation and management of the Portage service, including managing referrals, maintaining accurate records on IT systems, liaising with parents and referring professionals, collecting data and prioritising and organising your own caseload.
* In addition, you will support the planning and delivery of Portage parent play and stay groups, helping to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for families.
What we need from you
* Hold a relevant qualification, such as NVQ Level 3 in Education, Health or Social Care, NNEB, BTEC or equivalent.
* Have significant experience working with early years children with SEND, including social and communication differences, sensory and physical needs and global developmental delay.
* Have up‑to‑date knowledge of local support services, national organisations and the NPA guidelines.
* Demonstrate knowledge and experience of using augmentative and alternative communication systems, such as Makaton, alongside visual support strategies.
* Be able to produce clear, accurate and person‑centred plans and reports.
* Preferably, you have attended a Portage workshop and have experience working in partnership with parents within the family home.
What you need to know
* This role is hybrid, with a mixture of working at our office in Patchway and from home.
* An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement of employment.
* You must have a full, valid driving licence with regular access to a vehicle or an alternative means of travel, as you will be expected to travel throughout the authority and surrounding area.
Benefits
* Generous annual leave (pro rata), employee wellbeing support and a range of staff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities.
* Access to a comprehensive training and development offer.
* Assurance of a genuine flexibility to help achieve work/life balance.
* Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
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