Autism and Learning Disability Keyworker

The Service

In Portsmouth we are proud to be at the forefront of integrated multi-agency work with neurodiverse children and their families.In September 2022 as a national trailblazer, we launched our new ND pathway and Multidisciplinary 0-19yr Neurodiversity Service.This brings together experts from a range of fields to provide universal and targeted information, advice and guidance.

The Role

This exciting new role will give you the opportunity to work alongside a range of ND expertise in the city.Working closely with colleagues, children and their families you will help us to better understand the challenges they face when children have additional needs and help shape our work to meet these needs.

You will proactively engage and manage an allocation of children, young people and their families that allow sufficient time for the personalised support required.Alongside the Lead Professional, you will facilitate the provision of emotional and behavioural support and offer informed advice whilst holding services across the system to account ensuring children, young people and their families access the right support to meet their needs. You will advocate for young people, ensuring their views are heard in multi-agency settings.

The post will also work alongside family support workers in the neurodiversity team to support families who are needing a more intensive early intervention and support offer

What you'll need to succeed:

We're seeking individuals who are passionate about supporting children and young people, are committed to collaborative, family-centred practice, and are ready to bring their expertise to a dynamic, supportive environment.

The Ideal Candidate will have/be

• Significant experience in autism and/or learning disability.
• Strong background in multi-agency work with children and young people.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and local service provision.
• Ability to travel and work autonomously.

Please ensure that you read the full job profile attached below for the details and expectations of this role, paying particular attention the section 'Who is the person' as you will need to refer to this when completing your Personal statement.

Working Arrangements in line with Hybrid Working:

You will be required to work a minimum of 2 days in the office per week.

For informal enquiries, contact Claire Mason at claire.mason@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

Interview date: 20th November 2025

Application process

We anonymise applications during application & shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered.

As part of your application, we ask that you complete a personal statement, this statement is crucial and is where you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person'points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience.

We are a disability confident employer and have an Armed Forces Covenant.We are committed to offering an interview to all those candidates that qualify under one of our commitments and meet the minimum criteria, however, for roles that receive a large number of applications, this is not always possible, and we will select the candidates that best meet the minimum criteria.

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

About Portsmouth City Council

What we can offer you:

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.

Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our careers portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616800