At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in Early Years, leading sessions and coaching staff.
- Company: Percy Hedley Foundation, a leading charity for learning and physical needs.
- Benefits: School holidays off, training opportunities, wellbeing support, and loyalty awards.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to safeguarding and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in coordinating teams.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Percy Hedley Foundation is one of the largest regional charities supporting people with a range of learning and physical needs. We take a person centred, flexible approach to the care and support we provide. We have five sites providing specialist education, adult day services, residential care and independent supported living to our service users. Our sites are based in Forest Hall, Killingworth, Jesmond, Newcastle City Centre and North Shields. We work towards excellence every day and our team members are committed to delivering the very best outcomes for the people we support. Our dynamic and flexible service is tailored to the specific needs of the individual, making it easier to live, learn and be part of a world adapting to change.
The Role: We are looking to appoint a Higher Level SSA into our Hillcrest department at Northern Counties School to work in Early Years. This is an excellent development opportunity for new candidates or existing staff. The role is mainly classroom-based working as part of a team or planning and leading sessions as directed by the Class Teacher or Therapist. The successful candidate will support with the running of the department, coach SSAs in their role and guide new SSAs through their induction period. We are looking for an individual with strong communication and interpersonal skills who can efficiently coordinate a team of staff in order to maximise learning opportunities for our students.
Application Procedure: To apply, please do not complete an application form. Instead, please email an expression of interest to Abi Cowie at alee@percyhedley.org.uk. For more information, please contact our Booth on 0191 2815821 (NCS). We politely request no calls from recruitment agencies in relation to this post.
Why Work for Us: We encourage career development and progression. We run a robust training programme and also have development opportunities both within school and across the wider Foundation.
- Have the school holidays off
- Loyalty awards starting at 2 years’ service
- Wellbeing support (including occupational health, physio services and counselling services)
- Contributory Pension Scheme
- Induction and ongoing training
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a rewards scheme designed to save money on shopping
- Access to Blue Light Card
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Access to discounted Nexus Travel Corporate Pop Card (payments spread over 12 months and deducted from salary each month)
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants should be aware that the post will only be offered to successful candidates subject to an Enhanced DBS and barring checks as well as other employment clearances such as referencing in line with our regulator’s legislation requirements. Please note that this role is classed as regulated activity as it involves working directly with children and/or vulnerable adults. All shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal records self‑declaration form prior to interview, and all candidates will be subject to an online check prior to interview.
As a disability confident employer who is registered and accredited by the scheme, we would encourage all applications but please reach out if you require any guidance or support in your application.
NCS - HLSSA (Internal Only) 2 posts in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Percy Hedley Foundation
The Percy Hedley Foundation is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting individuals with learning and physical needs, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises personal and professional growth. With robust training programmes, generous benefits including school holidays off, wellbeing support, and a commitment to safeguarding, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they serve. Located in the vibrant community of Northern Counties School, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a compassionate team while enjoying a rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NCS - HLSSA (Internal Only) 2 posts in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨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 Percy Hedley Foundation.
✨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 Percy Hedley Foundation!
✨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 Percy Hedley Foundation, 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 Percy Hedley Foundation 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 NCS - HLSSA (Internal Only) 2 posts in Newcastle upon Tyne
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 Percy Hedley Foundation:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Percy Hedley Foundation! 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 Percy Hedley Foundation
✨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.
