Early Support Key Worker

About us - Do you want to be part of a creative forward-thinking service that involves everyone in big changes and new, exciting ways of working? Salford Early Help and School Readiness Service is a service at the heart of the local authorities' commitment to support families in the early stages, preventing their needs escalating to a higher level. We are committed to working with families in an asset-based way: utilising the Salford Family Partnership Model way of working to support families in moving forward.

About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Early Support Keyworker, to play a key role in supporting babies, children and young people with complex SEND needs and their families. As an Early Support Key Worker, you will act as a single point of contact and aim to reduce stress by encouraging everyone who is in contact with the baby, child or young person, to work in partnership. The aim is to support better co-ordinated packages of help and advice and to keep parents and carers at the heart of decision making about their child.

We are looking for a passionate, compassionate, and highly motivated professional who is committed to improving outcomes for young children with complex SEND needs and their families.

You will have a strong understanding of the challenges, vulnerabilities, and barriers that babies, children and young people with additional needs may experience, alongside the ability to build positive and trusting relationships with families from a wide range of backgrounds.

You will be confident in coordinating support across multiple agencies, ensuring families receive the right help at the right time while reducing duplication and promoting joined-up working. Acting as a key worker, you will be organised, proactive, and skilled in bringing professionals together to plan and deliver effective support, including transitions, assessments, interventions, and the EHCP processes.

We are seeking someone who is a strong advocate for children and families, able to recognise and build on family strengths while providing both practical and emotional support. You will be comfortable representing families in meetings, navigating services, and helping parents access information, guidance, and support relating to areas such as education, health, housing, benefits, and finances.

Most importantly, you will approach your work with enthusiasm, resilience, and a positive, solution-focused mindset. You will thrive in a collaborative environment, demonstrate excellent communication skills, and remain committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and their families.

Please be aware that this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and that you will be required to meet the cost of the DBS check currently £41. The payment for this will be deducted from your first four months' salary payments at a rate of £10.25 per month. If you do not commence employment for any reason but the DBS has been processed, you will be sent an invoice for the payment of £41.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more, please contact Kathleen.curwen@salford.gov.uk and we will be happy to assist.