Lead Community Life Skills Practitioner
Thurrock Council · United Kingdom · £30,219–£33,819 (stated in the posting)
Job Title: Lead Community Life Skills Practitioner (3 part-time posts)
FTE Salary: £30,219 – £33,819 per annum (pro rata to hours worked as part-time)
Grade: C
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: Part-time 12.3 hours per week
About the Role
We are looking for enthusiastic, compassionate and dedicated individuals to join our team as a Lead 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. As a Lead Community Life Skills Practitioner you will be required to undertake the following key duties:
To undertake direct work with disabled children of all ages
To work closely with the team for disabled children
To lead, plan, facilitate and supervise short break sessions in the community
To supervise Community Life Skill Practitioner staff within sessions
To manage and oversee medication administration
To support children with specialist health care needs
To undertake training considered relevant to the role
To supervise contact as and when necessary.
To support and advise service users and to advocate on their behalf if necessary.
To offer advice on behavioural support and communication techniques.
To report to the Team Manager of any changes in child behaviours, any noted injuries, accidental/non accidental.
To help support and promote independence and life skills with young people.
Essential Qualifications
The successful applicant will be required to hold a relevant Level 3 childcare qualification and or have at least 2 years’ experience of working with disabled children in a professional setting.
DBS Check: At Enhanced Level with Children's Barred List is required for this post.
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): 6th November 2026
Closing Date (Internal & External): 15th November 2026
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
Additional Information
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:
Lauren Riddick - Centre Manager or Laura Hayden / Jackie Harper Deputy Managers on 01375 652200
To view and download the Job Profile and Person Specification for your use, please follow the link below:
Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.
Safer Recruitment Application Requirements
As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management from when leaving full-time education is required for all Safeguarding roles. 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.
Why Thurrock?
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.
Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.
This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Our location
Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.
We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.
Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.
Staff benefits
We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.
Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.
We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council
We are seeking an exceptional, engaging and committed individual to join us as a Lead Community Life Skills Practitioner. This role is an exciting opportunity to support the Disabled Children’s Short Breaks and Outreach Service deliver a service to children and young people within Thurrock that have a range of disabilities, this will involve supporting and promoting independence in the community.