At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in early learning activities and create a safe, engaging environment.
- Company: Highland Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fixed-term contract, and the chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Great opportunity for personal growth and career development in childcare.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help shape young minds in your community.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a love for working with children.
Location: Achiltibuie Primary School
Hours: 17 hours per week
Duration: Fixed Term until 01 July 2027
Salary: £10,773 - £11,070 per annum. Salary placing will normally be at the first point of the scale.
Job Purpose: To work as an effective member of the childcare team, supporting the Head Teacher in the delivery of a range of stimulating activities in a safe environment that meet the needs of both children and their families. The work is to be carried out in accordance with Highland Council policies, guidelines and codes of practice.
The Highland Council understands that diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity and being fair and inclusive. We welcome applicants from people from all backgrounds, representative of the communities we serve and particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be under-represented in our workforce. As a disability confident employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria requirements for the post.
Prior to confirming appointment, we will require successful candidates to become members of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. Short listed applicants will normally be contacted by email, unless otherwise stated. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam folder.
Requirements: This position is classified as a regulated role. As such, an Overseas Criminal Record Check may be required depending on your nationality and recent residency history. Specifically, this check will be necessary if you do not meet both of the following criteria:
- You must be a national of the United Kingdom or one of the following countries: Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Hungary, Greece, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, or Poland.
- You must not have lived or worked in any country outside of the UK or those listed above for a period of three months or more, while aged 18 years or over, within the past five years.
Please note that it is your responsibility to obtain the Overseas Criminal Record Check, and you will be required to cover any associated costs.
Support Worker (Early Learning & Childcare) (17hpw) (Fixed Term until 01 July 2027), Achiltibuie Pri in Ullapool employer: Highland Council
Bishop Eden Primary School is an excellent employer that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work culture, making it a great place for individuals seeking meaningful employment. With a commitment to diversity and equality, the school offers opportunities for personal growth and development while ensuring a clean and safe environment for both staff and students. Located in the beautiful city of Inverness, employees can enjoy a fulfilling role within a community-focused institution that values every member's contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker (Early Learning & Childcare) (17hpw) (Fixed Term until 01 July 2027), Achiltibuie Pri in Ullapool
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Highland Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker (Early Learning & Childcare) (17hpw) (Fixed Term until 01 July 2027), Achiltibuie Pri in Ullapool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Highland Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Highland Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Highland Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Highland Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Support Worker (Early Learning & Childcare) (17hpw) (Fixed Term until 01 July 2027), Achiltibuie Pri role at Highland Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Highland Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
