At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special needs and provide personal care in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Midlothian Council, dedicated to transforming services for the community.
- Benefits: Permanent position with training opportunities and a supportive team.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview for eligible candidates from specific backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in childcare and relevant certifications are essential.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ per year.
Evidence of basic literacy and numeracy at Standard Grade level or SVQ2 in Early Years Care and Education, or National Certificate unit in Childcare & Education or equivalent competency is essential, to enable the jobholder to communicate effectively with staff and pupils, and provide sensitive support.
The Jobholder must be familiar with child development and be able to respond to the needs of individual special need pupils. It is essential that Jobholders have previous experience of working in this field supporting clients with special needs, administering medication and providing personal and intimate care.
It is essential that the Jobholder also has certificates in manual handling, food hygiene, body spills and basic emergency first aid. Once in post the Jobholder is required to undertake additional training courses such as Move, Calm, sing a long and ongoing training provided from the Therapist for individual pupils.
This post is considered Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children. Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you. If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outside the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check.
If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email recruitment@midlothian.
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations.
If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
Although there is an ‘import data from my CV’ function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form.
Locations
Care and Support Mentors (Permanent) in Dalkeith, Midlothian employer: Midlothian Council
Midlothian Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for educators at Burnbrae Primary School. With a commitment to professional development and a strong focus on inclusivity, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive within a collaborative team culture. The modern facilities and diverse school community in Bonnyrigg provide unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with additional support needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care and Support Mentors (Permanent) in Dalkeith, Midlothian
✨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 Midlothian Council.
✨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 Midlothian Council!
✨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 Midlothian Council, 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 Midlothian Council 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 Care and Support Mentors (Permanent) in Dalkeith, Midlothian
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 Midlothian Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Midlothian Council! 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 Midlothian Council
✨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.
