Location: Penrith - This is an outreach role working on a district wide basis.
Contract Type: Fixed Term until 31st March 2029
About this opportunity
Ability to travel independently required.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced SEND & Neurodiversiity Practitioner to work with children and their families from pre-birth to 25 (for young people with SEND) both one to one and in groups, in settings and the family home
We are looking for enthusiastic, innovative and self-motivated individuals to provide a high level of SEND expertise who can deliver a programme of work that will make a demonstrable difference in outcomes for children and young people and their families with special educational needs, disabilities and neurodiverse profiles.
You will have the opportunity to shape and deliver a tailored support service for families in response to SEND and neurodiversity. Working as part of the wider Family Help, Family Hubs and Early Years teams you will work closely with SEND partners and schools across Westmorland and Furness to initiate parent and carer engagement, to assess need and to deliver appropriate group and individual support with a particular focus on routines, sleep and behavioural challenges.
Who we are looking for…
We are looking for individuals with strong people skills, including facilitation and negotiation, and excellent communication skills, both written, face-to-face and over Teams.
We are looking for someone with knowledge and experience of SEND and neurodiverse conditions and working with young children, their parents and families, as well as experience of leading effective projects. You will also have experience of measuring and reporting on outcomes to evidence the impact of the project.
You will need the ability to prioritise and manage work effectively, and be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. You will also have experience of collaborating across teams and partners to achieve positive outcomes for families.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:
- Post Specification
- Role Profile
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Gill Schwer, Family Hub Service Manager [email protected]
07901558684
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 2nd August 2026
Interview date: 20th August 2026
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at [email protected].
Safer Recruitment & DBS
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check.
Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with Children.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.
