Jobs in London - Short Breaks Practitioner • Central London

Company: CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD

Central London

2-3 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary:• 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.Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):• 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.Skills/Experience:• 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.Additional Information:• The closing date: 20/07/2025 @17:00.• Requires an enhanced DBS check.