Letchworth jobs in Hitchin

Early Years Specialist Support Worker

Letchworth, Hertfordshire

Rate: £18 weekdays, £20 weekend

Spanish-speaking and applicants can drive are highly desirable

We are looking for two to three kind, calm and reliable Early Years Specialist Support Workers to support a 4-year-old child with developmental, sensory, communication, emotional regulation and behavioral needs following a brain injury at birth.

The child lives in a bilingual English and Spanish home, so Spanish-speaking applicants are highly desirable.

An Opportunity to Make a Real Difference

This is a rewarding opportunity to support a young child’s development, confidence and independence through play, routines, school transition, therapy activities and everyday family life.

He is an active, curious and affectionate child who enjoys outdoor play, climbing, books, family time and new experiences. He benefits from calm, consistent adults who understand child development and can support emotional regulation and communication.

The role will be mainly based in the family home in Letchworth, with support also required at school, therapy sessions, appointments, community activities, family outings and occasional holidays.

Hours:

The family are building a small, consistent team of two to three workers. Applications are welcomed for part-time, after-school, weekend, school holiday hours, or a combination of these.

Term Time: Monday to Friday, 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Morning support from 6:00 am to 9:00 am would also be beneficial.

Weekends: Support is required throughout the day on Saturdays and Sundays, with exact hours agreed with successful applicants.

School Holidays: Increased support of approximately 13 hours per day will be required, shared between the team.

Flexibility is important around therapy appointments, MDT meetings, school holidays, family activities and holidays. Future overnight support may also be available if the family move to a larger property.

Main Duties

The successful applicants will support the child with everyday life, development, independence and participation in family, school and community activities.

Duties will include:

· Support play, learning, child development, communication, social interaction and emotional regulation using calm, consistent approaches.

· Assist with school transitions, routines, therapy activities, appointments, outings, community activities and recreational experiences.

· Encourage independence with personal care, dressing, mealtimes and daily routines.

· Support positive family experiences, sibling interaction and meaningful participation in family life.

· Follow agreed therapy programmes and incorporate therapeutic activities naturally into everyday routines.

· Liaise with parents and professionals to ensure consistency across home, school and therapy settings.

· Maintain accurate records and report any concerns or significant changes appropriately.

Light household duties directly related to the child’s care will also be required, such as tidying play areas, organizing therapy resources, clearing away after meals, assisting with laundry and maintaining a safe, welcoming environment.

About You

We are looking for someone who enjoys working with young children, builds trusting relationships and brings warmth, patience, creativity and reliability to the role.

· Calm, patient, playful and emotionally intelligent.

· Reliable, flexible and able to work as part of a wider team.

· Respectful of family life, confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Experience

Experience in early years, childcare, education, SEN support, therapy support, family support, paediatric care, acquired brain injury, developmental delay, autism, sensory processing, emotional regulation or communication difficulties would be advantageous.

A full UK driving licence and Spanish language skills are desirable but not essential.

The family are looking first and foremost for the right values, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

The successful applicants will be expected to learn and follow therapy guidance provided by privately instructed professionals involved in the child’s rehabilitation.

Working with Professionals

· Case Manager

· Occupational Therapist

· Speech and Language Therapist

· Neuropsychologist

· Education Professionals

· Other therapists involved in the child’s rehabilitation

Training and ongoing supervision will be provided throughout employment.

Safeguarding

These posts are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references and safer recruitment checks.

Enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, safer Recruitment checks.

Pay: £18.00-£20.00 per hour

Work Location: In person