• The Short Breaks Practitioner plays a pivotal front-line role in supporting children and young people with complex disabilities and/or health needs aged 0–25.

• This includes carrying out high-quality, person-centred short breaks assessments and reviews, coordinating care plans, and working collaboratively across health, education, and social care to ensure holistic, effective support.

• The role aims to enable children to achieve positive outcomes, promote family resilience, and facilitate meaningful participation in services that support their independence and well-being.

• Practitioners are responsible for managing a diverse caseload, engaging families in decision-making, and creatively exploring community resources to meet needs efficiently and equitably.

• Act as a lead professional for a caseload of children and young people with complex needs, coordinating multi-agency care and support packages.

• Complete thorough, evidence-based short breaks assessments and person-centred reviews aligned with statutory duties.

• Support the delivery of integrated education, health, and social care plans, contributing to and aligning with EHCP reviews and transition planning.

• Maintain regular contact with families and conduct home-based assessments where appropriate.

• Provide guidance on entitlements, benefits, and available services, signposting or referring to internal and external support agencies as needed.

• Promote the voice and lived experience of children and young people with disabilities in care planning and service development.

• Ensure coordinated delivery of care packages that promote health, independence, safety, and well-being.

• Work proactively with schools, health professionals, voluntary organisations, and local agencies to support positive outcomes.

• Identify changes in need or risk, recommend revised support packages, and present proposals at resource or multi-agency panels.

• Keep accurate, timely records and documentation, including case notes, support plans, panel submissions, and correspondence.

• Actively promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in service delivery to meet the needs of families from all backgrounds.

• Demonstrable experience working with children and young people with disabilities and their families in multi-agency or community-based settings.

• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and frameworks, including the Children Act 1989, Children and Families Act 2014, and the SEND Code of Practice.

• Sound understanding of the impact of factors such as disability, poverty, parenting challenges, safeguarding concerns, and social deprivation.

• Experience of conducting needs assessments, designing support plans, and reviewing care over time with measurable outcomes.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive, effective relationships with children, families, and professionals.

• Competent in recognising and responding to risk, including safeguarding responsibilities.

• Familiar with community-based resources and able to identify or recommend creative, sustainable support options.

• Confident in multi-agency working and chairing or contributing to professionals’ and planning meetings.

• Skilled in using digital case management systems and Microsoft Office applications.

• Strong written skills, including the preparation of reports, care plans, and formal correspondence.

• Resilient, adaptable, and committed to continuous personal and professional development.

• The closing date: 20/07/2025 @17:00.

• Requires an enhanced DBS check.