West Yorkshire Learning Disability and Autism Keyworker

Are you an experienced practitioner looking for a dynamic role that makes a positive impact on the lives of children and young people with learning disabilities, autism or both? 

Do you believe in transforming health, social care and educational systems for children and young people with learning disabilities, autism or both?

West Yorkshire Keyworker Service is recruiting and this could be the next role for you. The role is full time, working Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Keyworker support is provided to children and young people with high needs as well as those who are inpatients or at risk of being admitted to hospital. Keyworker support is also extended to the most vulnerable children with a learning disability and/or who are autistic, including those who face multiple vulnerabilities such as looked after and adopted children and children and young people in transition between services as they turn 18.

As Keyworker you will:

• Have knowledge and experience of learning disabilities and autism.
• Have responsibility for a caseload of 12children, young people, their parents/carers and families to navigate what can be a complex health and social care system so that their needs are met before reaching crisis point.
• Build a trusting relationship with families so they get the support that they need at the right time, and where possible local to them, in their community.
• Secure wraparound support and care for children and young people with complex learning disabilities, autism or both.
• Work alongside cross-sector multiagency professionals including health, education, youth justice, voluntary sector and social care.
• Work with our co-production lead to ensure the Service is developed and co-produced with parents, carers, young people and those with lived experience.
• Receive quality and reflective supervision and learning opportunities to develop you in the role.

This is an exciting and innovative role which will give you the opportunity to work in partnership with the four West Yorkshire Health Trusts, the five local authorities, local advocacy organisations and the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector.

Working within the parameters of legislation, you will champion the perspective of the child, young person and family, being an advocate and challenging systems to support them within a positive risk-taking approach.

As Keyworker you will share your knowledge and expertise in this area of work with the wider team as well as provide guidance and advice to colleagues and work with the Programme Manager, Statutory Health Lead, Children's Services Manager, 4 Team Managers and working with 10 Learning Disability and Autism Senior Keyworkers and 9 Keyworkers to provide a Service that will make a difference to the lives of children and young people and their families. You will be joining a team that is passionate about the work they do and support one another through peer supervision and reflective learning sessions.

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification, Job Description and Additional Information document - these provide you with details of the role and responsbilities you will hold.  This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

To understand the work of Keyworker Services, the remit and the Keyworker role please ensure you visit the websites below and read the relevant information before applying for the role:

NHS England » Children and young people keyworkers

These Are Our Children (ncb.org.uk)

cdc.keyworking.guidance.v4.pdf (councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk)

Although this contract has a permanent status, please be aware that this post is subject to funding currently to 31st March 2027 and therefore should this funding not be extended further, you may be subject to a redundancy consultation or a TUPE arrangement.

Workplace Offer: What it means for you

• The ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via our Buy Your Leave scheme
• Service related sick pay from day 1
• Cycle2work scheme
• Interest free season ticket loans
• 20% discount at Barnardo's stores
• Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan to claim towards dental, glasses, therapy etc
• Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support
• Access to Barnardo's Learning and Development offer

*T&C's apply based on contract

• Reference number:23180
• Job Title:West Yorkshire Learning Disability and Autism Keyworker
• Location:Leeds
• Locality:Three Yorks
• Contract type:Permanent (Fixed term funded post)
• End date:31st March 2027
• Hours:37
• Salary:£28,124
• Closing Date:5 July 2026
• Interview Date:Friday 10th July 2026