At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in achieving their full potential at Kinross High School.
- Company: Join Perth & Kinross Council, a people-focused organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive school community that values inclusion and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on students' lives while building positive relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and strong literacy, numeracy, and digital skills required.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 28600 £ per year.
Main Purpose of the Role
Working within Perth & 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: Pupil Support Assistant (Fixed Term until 31 March 2027) - PKC14096 £14,777 - £15,568 (23 Hours per week, Term-time only) Kinross High School.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team of Pupil Support Assistants at Kinross High School for 23 hours per week, Monday to Thursday. We are seeking a compassionate, resilient and motivated individual who is committed to supporting young people to achieve their full potential. The successful candidate will have experience of working with children and young people with a range of identified additional support needs and will be passionate about helping learners succeed both academically and personally.
As a Pupil Support Assistant, you will work closely with pupils from S1 to S6, supporting them to engage with learning, develop confidence and achieve their individual goals. You will provide support in a variety of settings, including mainstream classrooms, small group interventions and one-to-one sessions, working as part of a dedicated team to ensure every young person has the opportunity to thrive. This is a rewarding role for someone who enjoys building positive relationships, responding flexibly to individual needs and making a meaningful difference to the lives of young people every day.
Please note, we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this post.
Skills & Experience Required
We are looking for a highly motivated and caring individual with a commitment to supporting children and young people with additional support needs. You should possess strong literacy, numeracy and digital skills, along with previous experience of working with children or young people. The successful candidate will be adaptable, collaborative and able to contribute effectively as part of a team. A willingness to undertake relevant professional learning and training is essential. You will demonstrate patience, empathy and sensitivity in your interactions with pupils and have an understanding of the diverse range of needs that young people may experience. A nurturing approach, positive attitude and ability to build trusting relationships are key qualities we are looking for.
If you are passionate about inclusion, believe in the potential of every young person and want to be part of a supportive and ambitious school community, we would love to hear from you.
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. Find out more about Perth & Kinross Council and you could soon be joining our team!
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
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. All new employees have a four-month probationary period.
Next Steps
External candidates are required to provide contact details for 2 referees, including email addresses. One of these must be your current or most recent employer. Internal applicants applying for secondment must obtain line manager approval through the secondment form available under My Forms - Secondment Request Form on MyView. Please note that secondment requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
We welcome applications from everyone and as a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential requirements of the post. Appointments are based on evidence supplied during the selection process. Diversity is important to us and although some of our jobs may be perceived to be traditionally gender specific, we welcome applications from everyone and would encourage you to apply if you meet the job requirements. That includes welcoming applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists. Many of the skills picked up during your military career could be transferred directly into a role with local government.
Working with children and/or protected adults is regarded as a regulated role and under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 you will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. If you have lived overseas for a period of 12 months or more (continuous or total) within the last 10 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. A confirmed offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of the above mentioned mandatory pre-employment checks (including references) and will also include eligibility to work in the UK, qualifications and fitness to undertake the post.
Pupil Support Assistant, Kinross High School - PKC14096 employer: Perth and Kinross Council
As a leading employer in the social work sector, we offer a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. Located in the heart of Perth, our Early Intervention & Prevention Service provides unique opportunities for growth and advancement, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pupil Support Assistant, Kinross High School - PKC14096
✨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 Perth and Kinross 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 Pupil Support Assistant, Kinross High School - PKC14096
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 Perth and Kinross 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 Perth and Kinross 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 Perth and Kinross 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 Perth and Kinross 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 Pupil Support Assistant, Kinross High School - PKC14096 role at Perth and Kinross 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 Perth and Kinross Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.