At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in their learning and wellbeing at Milnathort Primary School.
- Company: Join Perth & Kinross Council, a people-focused organisation making a difference.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; all backgrounds are welcome to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Friendly, empathetic individuals with a passion for child development are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 16062 - 16922 £ per year.
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 25 March 2027) - £16,062 - £16,922 (16.5 Hours per week, Term-time only) at Milnathort Primary School.
Milnathort Primary School requires a Pupil Support Assistant (PSA) who can join the team in supporting children across the school to access and progress in their learning. The role is varied and rewarding with the opportunity to work with a range of children across a number of primary classes. The role will include supervising children during break and lunch times and may include supporting children who present with needs which include:
- Social and Emotional
- Learning
- Communication
- Personal Care
Children may present with distressed behaviour because of their needs, and the PSA may have a role in supporting positive behaviour management programmes and individual support plans.
We are looking for a personable, friendly, and flexible person to join our school team who has a positive outlook and the enthusiasm to work in a busy school environment. It is important that you are committed to delivering high standards of service. A genuine interest in the development of children and their wellbeing is essential, and the important qualities are empathy, patience, and an ability to engage with children and young people to support them in their learning across the school.
Experience in working with children in a school or early years’ setting is preferred but not essential.
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
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: We would love to hear from you and would encourage you to get in touch with Shelley Hutchison, Head Teacher on 01577 867260 or at Milnathort@pkc.gov.uk to find out more.
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. Please contact the hiring manager above or the Recruitment Team on (01738) 475555 or recruitment@pkc.gov.uk to discuss any reasonable adjustments. 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, Milnathort Primary School - PKC13908 in Kinross employer: Perth and Kinross Council
Perth & Kinross Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. As a Pupil Support Assistant at Milnathort Primary School, you will benefit from generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and access to professional development opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children in your community. Join a team that values kindness and inclusion, and enjoy a fulfilling career dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for every child.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pupil Support Assistant, Milnathort Primary School - PKC13908 in Kinross
✨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 Perth and Kinross 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 Perth and Kinross 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 Perth and Kinross 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 Perth and Kinross 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 Pupil Support Assistant, Milnathort Primary School - PKC13908 in Kinross
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 Perth and Kinross Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Perth and Kinross 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 Perth and Kinross 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.
