At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in their learning journey.
- Company: Perth & Kinross Council, dedicated to enhancing lives.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a focus on work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, empathy, and a commitment to professional growth.
Perth and Kinross Council is more than a job; it's about being part of an organisation that puts people at the heart of all we do and provides opportunities to make a real difference by enhancing every life we touch.
We Currently Have The Following Opportunity:
- Position: Supply Pupil Support Assistants - PKC13207
- Rate: £14.39 per hour
- Location: Various Locations in the Perth & Kinross Council Area
As a Pupil Support Assistant (PSA), you will work as part of a team supporting children and young people who have additional support needs to access learning under the direction of other members of the team. Children and young people can have a range of needs that are short-lived or more long-term. These, at different points in their education, may require additional support. The PSA role is varied and may include supporting children and young people who present with needs which may include:
- Social and Emotional
- Learning
- Communication
- Physical
- Personal Care
Some children may present with distressed and challenging behaviour as a result of these needs. The PSA may have a role in supporting positive behaviour management programmes and individual support plans.
Perth & Kinross Council has introduced a Job Family Framework for all single status posts. A Job Family is a group of jobs with similar characteristics and common features. Pupil Support Assistants are part of the Care and Learning Job Family and the role profile details the typical behaviours, skills and experience required.
Skills & Experience Required:
- A genuine interest in the development of children and their wellbeing.
- Kindness, empathy and patience.
- An ability to engage with children and young people.
- Confidentiality in relation to children, young people and their families.
- Experience (paid/voluntary) of supporting children and young people with additional support needs within an Early Years Setting or within Early Level within a Primary School.
- Some roles require travel between settings, so for these posts, an ability to travel is essential.
As a PSA, you will also need to demonstrate a commitment to achieving the required qualification within the timescales set by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
Working at Perth & Kinross Council:
Our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the delivery of our key priorities. In your application, and should you be invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our values and behaviours.
Here's What We Can Offer You:
- A generous annual leave package
- 6 days public holiday and an additional discretionary day
- Eligibility to join our pension scheme
- Family friendly and positive work/life balance policies such as Flexible Working, Maternity, Paternity & Adoption leave, time off for volunteering and our Wellbeing Framework
- Access to a range of benefits
- Paid SSSC annual membership for relevant positions
We recognise there can be benefits to flexible working and where individual jobs allow, we seek to support this. You are encouraged to discuss potential options with the recruiting manager, if this is of interest to you. A healthy work-life balance is important to us and we provide supportive management and, where possible, flexible working arrangements to help you achieve that balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.
This role requires you to be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). If you are not yet registered, you can still apply, as long as you are willing to apply for registration within 3 months of starting with us and be registered within 6 months.
Supply Pupil Support Assistants, Various Locations in the Perth & Kinross Council Area - PKC13207 employer: Nexus Leads Services
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in Newport is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the IPO provides opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment, ensuring that team members can thrive while contributing to meaningful projects in a cloud-first setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Pupil Support Assistants, Various Locations in the Perth & Kinross Council Area - PKC13207
✨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 Nexus Leads Services.
✨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 Nexus Leads Services!
✨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 Nexus Leads Services, 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 Nexus Leads Services 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 Supply Pupil Support Assistants, Various Locations in the Perth & Kinross Council Area - PKC13207
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 Nexus Leads Services:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Nexus Leads Services! 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 Nexus Leads Services
✨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.
