Portage Parenting Officer

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Portage Parenting Officer

Service: Early Years, Family Wellbeing and Early Help Location: Civic Centre, Merton and community-based working Contract: Permanent Hours: Part Time / 21 hours a week

Help Make a Difference from the Very Start

Do you have a passion for supporting young children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and empowering families to help their children thrive?

We are looking for an enthusiastic, compassionate and skilled Portage Parenting Officer to join Merton's highly regarded Portage Service. Our service provides specialist early intervention support to children from birth to three years old with significant additional needs and disabilities, helping them achieve their full potential through play-based learning and family-centred support.

As a Portage Officer, you will work directly with families in their homes and community settings, delivering personalised intervention programmes, modelling effective strategies and supporting parents to develop the confidence and skills needed to promote their child's development. Click here for more information on  Portage Parenting

About the Role

You will:

• Deliver high-quality Portage support to children with SEND and developmental delay.
• Work in partnership with parents and carers, enabling them to support their child's learning and development.
• Assess children's progress and develop individual learning targets.
• Plan and deliver engaging, play-based activities tailored to children's individual needs in the home and within Children's Centres and Family Hubs.
• Support the delivery of Incredible Years Autism Spectrum and Language Delay programmes, working with parents of children who may be on the pathway to an autism diagnosis and/or who have social communication and speech and language differences.
• Facilitate parenting groups, modelling practical strategies and empowering parents to promote their child's communication, social interaction, emotional wellbeing and development at home.
• Work closely with health professionals, early years providers, SEND teams and other agencies to ensure a coordinated approach.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to reviews, reports and transition planning.
• Support children and families to access local services and opportunities that promote inclusion and positive outcomes.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience of working with young children with SEND and their families.
• Has a sound understanding of child development and early intervention.
• Is able to build positive, trusting relationships with parents and professionals.
• Has excellent communication, organisation and record-keeping skills.
• Is confident working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Holds a relevant qualification in childcare, education, SEND, health or a related field.
• Ideally holds (or is willing to undertake) the National Portage Association Portage Workshop and accreditation training.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and families.
• Supportive management and supervision.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where appropriate.
• A welcoming and committed Early Years and SEND team.

Why Join Merton?

Merton is committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of their needs, have the best possible start in life. Our Portage Service is highly valued by families and professionals alike, and you will be joining a dedicated team committed to inclusion, partnership working and achieving the best outcomes for children.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Wendy Maxey, Portage Parenting Manager, Wendy.Maxey@merton.gov.uk