Job Introduction
In Portsmouth we are proud to be at the forefront of integrated multi-agency work with neurodiverse children and their families. As a national trailblazer, we have launched our new ND pathway and Multidisciplinary 0-19yr Neurodiversity Service. This brings together experts from a range of fields to provide universal and targeted information, advice and guidance.
Your new role
Are you passionate about supporting neurodiverse children and their families to achieve the very best outcomes? As a Family Support Worker within our Multidisciplinary Neurodiversity Team, you will play a key role in delivering information, advice and guidance to children, families and practitioners across the city. Working alongside colleagues from a range of professional backgrounds, you will help families understand and navigate the challenges and successes that can come with neurodiversity while supporting practitioners to develop effective plans tailored to individual needs.
Reporting to the Service Lead, you will work collaboratively with children, families and professionals, helping to identify needs, build positive solutions and improve outcomes. You will contribute to a pioneering citywide service that aims to provide the right support at the right time, reducing reliance on high-cost specialist services and ensuring families can access the advice and guidance they need. This role also includes occasional evening and out-of-hours working to meet the needs of the service.
Who is the person summary:
You will be an experienced practitioner who is passionate about working with neurodiverse children, young people and their families. You will have a good understanding of neurodiversity and the impact it can have on family life, alongside the ability to build trusted relationships that empower families to identify their needs and develop effective plans for the future.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has up-to-date knowledge of neurodiversity and its impact on children and families.
- Has experience working with children, young people and families.
- Can develop positive and supportive relationships with families and professionals.
- Understands the challenges faced by children with additional needs and those who support them.
- Is creative, collaborative and confident when solving problems and influencing others.
- Holds a recognised qualification at NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent) or can demonstrate equivalent experience.
- Can travel across the city to meet the needs of the role.
For full details, please review 'who is the person' on the job profile attached below.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
As part of Local Government Reorganisation, current plans will see Portsmouth City Council combine with the district and borough councils of Fareham, Gosport and Havant and parts of East Hampshire and Winchester district councils to form a new, larger unitary authority for south east Hampshire.
We are working towards an implementation date of 1st April 2028, known as vesting day, subject to Parliamentary approval. Until then, we remain focused on maintaining continuity, supporting our workforce, and continuing to deliver excellent services to our residents throughout the transition to the new unitary authority.
This is an exciting time to join us, offering the opportunity to contribute to organisational transformation, develop your career, and help shape future services for our communities.
More information about Local Government Reorganisation can be found on our website: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/council-and-democracy/your-council/devolution-and-lgr/
Additional Information
If you would like to discuss this role in more detail with the hiring manager, please contact Claire Mason, Service Manager: email Claire.Mason@portsmouthcc.gov,uk
Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. We offer hybrid working with the expectation to attend the office minimum 2 days a week (pro rata for part time), this remains flexible, depending on the role and subject to business needs.
We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
Our recruitment process
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal
You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be shortlisted.
If applying as a secondment you will need permission from your current line manager releasing you for this secondment. Please state you have this on your personal statement on the application.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young peopleand vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Please read the relevant DBS privacy notice before submitting any information.
You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.
