Early Years Neurodivergent Service Support Worker

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC625193
Salary Range: £28,697 - £31,573 pro rata, per annum (actual salary £19,902 - £22,187 per annum)
Work Location: Test Valley Borough Council, Andover or Basingstoke Discovery Centre, Basingstoke (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 30
Contract Type: Permanent (Term-time only)
Closing Date: 9 November 2026

Help young children achieve the best possible start in life

The Role:

Join our Services for Young Children Inclusion Team as an Early Years Neurodivergent Service Support Worker and make a real difference to the lives of pre-school children with emerging or identified neurodivergent profiles, with or without social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

Working as part of a specialist service, you'll help remove barriers to learning, development and participation by supporting children, families and early years settings. Through close collaboration with children, parents, carers, practitioners and partner agencies, you'll model and develop tailored activities, facilitate access to services, and promote inclusive practices that enable every child to thrive.

This rewarding role helps ensure children receive the right support at the right time, enabling them to thrive and reach their potential.

What you’ll do:

• Support Early Years settings and Year R staff by providing specialist advice and modelling effective strategies for children with neurodivergent needs.
• Work directly with children, families and practitioners to develop tailored approaches that promote inclusion and positive outcomes.
• Facilitate joint planning with parents and carers, providing guidance, workshops and resources to strengthen the home learning environment.
• Raise awareness of neurodivergent and SEMH needs among professionals and families, sharing expertise and delivering training.
• Contribute to multi-agency meetings, transition planning and partnership working with other services.
• Support transitions into school, including facilitating Transition Partnership Agreements (TPAs) where appropriate.
• Communicate effectively with individuals, agencies and community partners, maintaining confidentiality and accurate records while coordinating services and ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed.

What we’re looking for:

• A relevant Health, Education or Social Care qualification at NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards one.
• Experience of working with pre-school children and families, including children with SEND and neurodivergent needs.
• A good understanding of child development and inclusive practice.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively with a range of professionals.
• A commitment to safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and families.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied caseload.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Early Years Neurodivergent Service Support Worker role, team and our values. The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.

Why join us?

• Make a meaningful difference to children's lives at a crucial stage of their development.
• Be part of an innovative and supportive Inclusion Team committed to improving outcomes for children with SEND.
• Work in a rewarding role where no two days are the same.
• Help shape a developing specialist service and contribute to inclusive practice across Hampshire.
• Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• A competitive benefits package that includes generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.

Other roles you may have experience of may include: Early Years Inclusion Support Worker, Early Years Family Support Worker, Early Years SEND Support Worker, Early Intervention Support Worker, Neurodivergent Children Support Worker, Early Years Inclusion Practitioner, Neurodiversity Support Practitioner, Early Years Child Development Support Worker

Travel Requirements:
You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.  

Additional Information:

Early Years Neurodivergent Service Support Worker Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

For general enquiries, please contact care.careers@hants.gov.uk
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Leigh Drury, Inclusion Team Leader (Basingstoke and North Test Valley) on leigh.drury@hants.gov.uk