Job Summary
Contract Type:
Term-time only (Permanent)
Working Pattern:
Full time - term time plus specified days
Advert Start Date:
31/01/2023
Advert End Date:
Closed for applications on 26/02/2023 23:59
Salary:
Grade 8 £28,371 - £32,020 pro rata to hours worked
Job Category:
Early Years Children Services
Employment Location:
Your normal place of work will be at an approved team location, but you may be required to work at any Council workplace within County Durham
Further Information
Portage Workers – Full-Time Term Time + 1 Week
We are recruiting Portage Workers to join our highly-valued, supportive and dedicated team
The Portage Team deliver a home visiting service to children and families in County Durham and is for children from the age of 0-3 who have significant additional needs. The team work with children through play and help parents to support their child’s development. The Portage team is registered with the National Portage Association and consistently deliver an effective and high-quality service.
As a Portage Worker you will be responsible for:
• delivering the Portage programme to children and families following NPA requirements and incorporating the 3 elements of the Portage model during home visiting/group work, incorporating Structured teaching, Child led play and Family focus.
• Assessing children’s play and skills using the Portage Developmental Journal and identifying their next developmental steps
• Using a small steps approach in setting appropriate teaching targets and devising a programme of targeted activities and play that parents/carers can use in order to help their children progress
• Empowering parents to feel confident in playing and interacting with their child.
• Modelling activities and providing feedback to parents on progress.
• Supporting transition into nursery and providing early year’s staff with strategies to enable them to accommodate and include children with complex needs.
• Developing and running groups with other Portage Workers to support families and children with specific needs who can more appropriately access Portage support within a group setting.
• Working jointly with other professionals to achieve the best outcomes for children
• Attending multi agency meetings in relation to children on your caseload
• Making referrals to other agencies and signposting parents to the correct services
• Providing written reports and/or educational advice for statutory assessment at key times during your involvement with a child
• Keeping up to date records and updating electronic files for individual children.
You will have a good understanding of early years’ child development and considerable experience of working with young children who have additional or special educational needs. You will be able to work independently and often by yourself with families, travelling to their homes. You will be willing to complete the Portage training, if you have not already done so, and will be able to build positive relationships with children and families quickly.
We offer:
• a strong induction into the Portage team and the wider Specialist Inclusion Services, including Portage training.
• Ongoing CPD throughout the year
• Regular opportunities for supervision and support
Essential Qualifications:
• Nursery Nurse qualification or equivalent. NNEB, BTEC National Diploma in Caring Services. NVQ Level 3 (Early Years Care and Education).
Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.
The successful applicant for this post will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
If you would like more information about the post please contact Susan Liddell, Portage Service Manager, or Rachel Leonard, Senior Educational Psychologist on Tel. No. 03000 263333 for an informal discussion.
It is anticipated that Interviews will be held 6th March 2023.
Take a look at our comprehensive benefits package Rewards and benefits - Durham County Council https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits
Apply on-line or for further assistance contact the Payroll & Employee Services Team Email: PESCYPS@durham.gov.uk
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise the value of difference, having a diverse talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and can provide support throughout the recruitment process, for more information please refer to the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion page on our website.
In line with the County Council’s Recruitment & Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CV’s. Any information provided on CV’s will not be considered for short-listing purposes.
Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered with North East Jobs, including your invite to interview if you are short-listed. Please check your email after the closing date for notification from ‘DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK’ as you will not be notified by any other means.
Please note
This job is closed for applications.