Job Title: Keyworker - Children & Young Adults (Autism & Learning Disability)
Location: Hertfordshire
Salary Range: £32,076 with the opportunity to progress £34,834 pa (Level 9) or £35,745 with the opportunity to progress to £39,186 pa (Level 10) - depending on experience.
Hours: 37 per week
Contract: Fixed Term for 18 months

Diversity: We are an inclusive employer and value a diverse workforce

About us:

Hertfordshire County Councils Children’s Services are pleased to be able to recruit a Learning Disability and Autism (LDA) keyworker to join Hertfordshire’s Keyworker Offer. This exciting role is part of the NHS long term plan, which outlines that by April 2024 all areas will have a Keyworker for all Children, and Young Adults up to the age 25 who have a diagnosis of Autism and or a Learning Disability, and who are deemed to be at risk of an admission to a mental health hospital.

Purpose of the role:

The role is person-centred, and works across Education, Health, and Social Care, you will be a reflective, resilient, and solution-focused professional with a thirst for learning new things. Keyworkers plan their own weekly diaries co-produce ideas and approaches with Children and young people up to age 25 and work alongside a range of social care and health professionals in networks where attendance at meetings is crucial.

Please see the attached ‘Hertfordshire Keyworker Learning Disability and keyworker offer/ additional information for applicants’ for further details about this innovative and exciting role.

Challenges & Opportunities:

Day-to-day a Keyworker can expect to be visiting their Children, Young People, (CYP) or Young Adults (YAs), and offering encouragement with appointments, activities, school/education, and or within the home. Having the skill to build trust with CYP/YAs is key to the role as you will often be working alone. The Keyworker offer is led by the goals and wishes of the young people we are matched to, so can vary every day. Keyworker interventions range from animal experiences, creative spaces, and outdoor pursuits depending on the preference of the CYP/YAs. Keyworkers are matched to CYP and YAs based on interests and motivations.

Technical skills & qualifications required for the role:

This is an exciting opportunity for the right person and we are accepting applications from those who have a professional qualification and/or alternative qualifications and relevant life experience:

You will be required to use Microsoft Teams and be able to navigate online IT systems so a good level of IT literacy is advantageous.

We will be shortlisting applicants using the ‘Four Key Questions.’ Attached below. Please note without these questions we are unable to consider your application for shortlisting. Please evidence in your application that you are someone who personalises their approach to suit the individual with whom you are working.

“This is an exciting opportunity to work really closely with CYP with autism / learning disabilities and their families, and to really get to know them and understand how they see the world and to help other people working with them, to understand also.

“Keyworkers need to be able to work flexibly and in a person-centred way, to help to achieve the best outcomes for the young person.”

One of our keyworkers said:

‘It is a dynamic role that uses a wide range of skillsets. The role offers a kaleidoscope in terms of the variation of tasks/people. The team are friendly and open minded and have children and young people’s interests at the heart of what they do.’

Closing Date: 28th April 2024
Interview Date: Please note interviews will be arranged as and when applications are received.

For an informal discussion and more information please contact: Vicki Jeffery –Team Manager Hertfordshire Keyworker Pilot team on 01438 844069 vicki.jeffery1@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Benefits of working for us:
• Flexible Working Arrangements (depending on the role)
• Excellent Career Development
• Salary Exchange for Additional Benefits
• Excellent Pension Scheme with Employer Contributions
• Shopping Discounts
• Support Groups & Wellbeing Schemes