Portage Inclusion Practitioner

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC619282
Salary Range: £32,149 - £35,241 per annum 
Work Location: Countywide, Hampshire
Hours per Week: 37
Contract Type: Temporary for 1 year
Closing Date: 5 January 2025

Make a difference to the lives of pre-school children with significant additional needs

We are seeking dedicated and experienced Portage Inclusion Practitioners to join our team on a temporary basis. The successful candidate will ensure the delivery and development of an excellent Portage Service, providing specialist educational programs, instruction, help, and advice to families with pre-school children who have significant additional needs, including complex educational needs or challenging behaviour. This role involves working closely with early years education and childcare providers within the framework of the Services for Young Children (SfYC) Service Plan, and Children’s and Young Peoples Plan.

For over 40 years Portage has been providing a highly professional educational home visiting service for families of pre-school children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The positive outcomes for families and children make this area of work hugely rewarding. 

Experienced in working with families and pre-school children, you will have an in-depth knowledge of child development in the early years and approaches to supporting vulnerable families, particularly children with SEND. You will be well organised and self-motivated. You will be a good listener and communicator; you will also have a tactful and sensitive approach.

If you’re considering this role, here are some key qualities and skills that would be beneficial:

• In-depth knowledge of child development: Understanding the early years of child development is crucial, especially for children with SEND.
• Experience with families and pre-school children: Practical experience in this area will help you connect and support families effectively.
• Organisational skills: Being well-organised will help manage the various aspects of the role efficiently.
• Self-motivation: This role requires a proactive approach to meet the needs of the children and their families.
• Communication skills: Being a good listener and communicator is essential to understand and address the concerns of families.
• Tact and sensitivity: A sensitive approach is necessary to handle the unique challenges faced by families.

We are recruiting for multiple locations in Hampshire, please select your preferred working location in your application:

• Rushmoor Borough Council offices Farnborough, Covering Hart & Rushmoor 
• XP Youth Centre Fareham, Covering Fareham and Gosport  
• The Aviary Eastleigh, Covering Eastleigh and Winchester 

Additional Information:

Portage Inclusion Practitioner Job Description and Person Specification

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a criminal records check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Fareham and Gosport - Margaret Dunne, Inclusion Team Leader via Margaret.Dunne@hants.gov.uk

Hart and Rushmoor - Danielle Wickens, Inclusion Team Leader via Danielle.Wickens@hants.gov.uk

Eastleigh and Winchester - Geraldine Stygal, Inclusion Team Leader via Geraldine.Stygal@hants.gov.uk