At a Glance
- Tasks: Respond to helpline enquiries and provide clear, concise information.
- Company: Children in Scotland, a dynamic charity focused on children's rights and support.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, meaningful work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community dedicated to driving lasting impact for Scotland’s children.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families across Scotland.
- Qualifications: Excellent listening skills and understanding of additional support needs.
Enquire is the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning. The service is funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Children in Scotland. Our goal is to help parents, carers, professionals and children and young people understand pupils’ rights to extra support in school and early years settings. Our vision is that all children in Scotland are supported, included, and listened to throughout their education.
We are looking for an experienced and caring adviser whose primary responsibility will be responding to helpline enquiries. The right candidate will have excellent listening skills and be able to explain complex information in a clear and concise way, both over the telephone and in writing. An understanding of the issues affecting children and young people with additional support needs and their families and knowledge of the Scottish education system would be an advantage.
About Children in Scotland: Children in Scotland is a welcoming and dynamic charity that amplifies the voices, views and experiences of our members and children, families and professionals across Scotland. We achieve this through direct services, meaningful participation, policy work, inspiring communications and sector-leading events and learning opportunities. We are a vibrant and inclusive community of dedicated individuals and organisations who use our skills and passion to bring evidence-based and fresh thinking together, with one shared aim of giving all children in Scotland an equal chance to flourish. We are stronger together in driving lasting impact for Scotland’s children.
Diversity: Children in Scotland values the contribution of all our staff, whatever their background. Our recruitment decisions are based on fair, open processes, with appointment on merit. We welcome applications from everyone.
For an informal chat about the job, please contact Mark Patterson, Senior Advice and Information Officer by email on mpatterson@childreninscotland.org.uk.
Advice and Information Officer (Enquire) employer: Children in Scotland
Children in Scotland is an exceptional employer that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development, offering a flexible hybrid working model in the vibrant city of Edinburgh. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and team engagement, employees benefit from regular in-person gatherings that foster a supportive work culture, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful causes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advice and Information Officer (Enquire)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Children in Scotland.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Children in Scotland!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Children in Scotland, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Children in Scotland or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Advice and Information Officer (Enquire)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Children in Scotland:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Children in Scotland! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Children in Scotland
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
