Support Planner - Preparing For Adulthood (PFA) Team

Job Description

Job Title: Support Planner - Preparing For Adulthood Team
Salary: £33 531 – £38 052 per annum
Grade: D
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week

About the Department

Thurrock Council Adult Social Care operates a dedicated Preparing For Adulthood (PFA) Team, which works collaboratively with Children’s Social Services, Special Educational Needs, and Health departments to ensure a smooth and well-supported transition for young people with special educational needs or disabilities, from the age of 16 to 25. Our approach places the young person at the centre of all planning and decision-making, actively encouraging their participation and engagement throughout assessments. We also recognise the vital role of carers and ensure their involvement is integral to the process.

About the Role
As a Support Planner, you will be responsible for:

• Coordinating and attending Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) meetings, as required under the Children and Families Act 2014, in response to increasing demand.
• Completing Care Act assessments and reviews to ensure compliance and timely delivery of statutory duties.
• Supporting statutory transition planning and maintaining operational continuity through effective communication, data management, and administrative coordination.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference by supporting a smooth transition for young people as they prepare for adulthood, focusing on key outcomes such as employment, independent living, community inclusion, and good health.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including members of the public, both over the phone and face-to-face.
• Commitment to working in a way that empowers service users and creates opportunities for independence and development.
• Competent in using word processing and spreadsheet packages (e.g., Microsoft Word and Excel).
• Strong negotiation skills, including the ability to hold discussions, clarify opinions, and accurately assess information to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Consistently recognises and respects diversity and cultural issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and demonstrate adaptability in a team environment.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to achieve tasks and maintain high-quality standards.
• Capable of working independently and using own initiative.
• Ability to record information clearly and concisely.

Essential qualifications: Social Care qualification NVQ level 3/or recognised Social Care or Health qualification.
DBS Check: Enhanced level with Adult and 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): 8th January 2026
Closing Date (Internal & External): 25th January 2026
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Additional Information

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:

Maita Chapatarongo - Team Manager
MChapatarongo@thurrock.gov.uk | 01375 659687

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

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

Application Requirements

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

As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management 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.

Gaps in Employment Form

Gaps in Employment Example

About us

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