Community Life Skills Practitioner - Disabled Childrens Service


Company:	Thurrock Council
Salary:	Not specified
Hours:	Part-time
Location:	Thurrock, RM17 6SL
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	9 Jul 2026
Closing date:	8 Aug 2026

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Summary

Job Title: Community Life Skills Practitioner

Salary: £13.76 per hour

Grade: B

Contract Type: Casual Zero-Hour Contract

Working Hours: Flexible Hours available including after-school sessions, Saturdays and school holidays. There will be an expectation of 3 hours per week available.

About the Department

We are looking for an enthusiastic, compassionate and dedicated individual to join our team as a Community Life Skills Practitioner within the Disabled Children's Short Breaks and Outreach Service.

This is a rewarding and varied role that offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people with disabilities across Thurrock. You will support and encourage independence through community-based activities and targeted life skills sessions delivered in an accessible and inclusive environment.

About the Role

The successful applicant will:

- Provide direct support to children and young people with disabilities aged 6-18.

- Assist children and young people in accessing community based activities and targeted life skill sessions.

- Support with the safe administration of medication when required (full training is provided)

- Complete relevant training to effectively support, advise and advocate for children and young people where necessary

- Monitor and report any changes in behaviour, wellbeing or safeguarding concerns to senior staff.

- Maintain accurate records, reports and required documentation.

- Promote independence and life skills development through positive engagement and support.

- Encourage social interaction, communication and friendship-building among peers.

- Support the planning, organisation and delivery of safe, inclusive and enjoyable activities.

- Work collaboratively as part of a team to provide a high-quality service for children and young people in Thurrock.

- Demonstrate professional, effective and respectful communication with colleagues, children, young people and their families.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

- A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with disabilities.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required.

- Commitment to promoting inclusion, independence and positive outcomes for children and young people

Desirable (but not essential)

- Level 3 qualification in childcare

- Previous experience working with disabled children and young people

- Experience delivering community-based activities, youth work or life skills program's

- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and inclusive practice

We welcome applications from individuals who may not meet all of the desirable criteria but can demonstrate values, enthusiasm and commitment required for the role.

DBS Check: Enhanced DBS Check with Child Barred List is required for this role.

Benefits of Working with Us

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

- Generous annual leave entitlement

- Local Government Pension Scheme

- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)

- Ongoing training and professional development

- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support

- Staff discounts and local offers

- A supportive and inclusive working environment

Important Dates

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 16th July 2026

Closing Date (Internal & External): 2nd August 2026

Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Additional Information

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Lauren Riddick, Centre Manager or Laura Hayden or Jackie Harper Deputy Manager's on 01375 652200.

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

Application Requirements

As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management is required for all Safeguarding roles from when leaving full-time education. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application. Please provide a full history with explanations of any gaps and ensure you also upload a copy of your full CV.

If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.

Gaps in Employment Form

Gaps in Employment Example

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