At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in various Kids Clubs, enhancing their learning and emotional needs.
- Company: Join Perth & Kinross Council, a people-focused organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and support.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for working with children are essential.
The predicted salary is between 15755 - 16598 £ 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 are looking for an enthusiastic, nurturing and innovative Pupil Support Assistant (PSA) to join our large, friendly team. The PSA role will work across a number of Kids Clubs and Wraparound Care Services providing high quality care. You will help to support pupils individually and in small groups to help meet a range of complex learning needs and work closely with staff teams.
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.
This post is 16 hours per week term-time, between 2pm – 6pm, Monday to Friday and during holiday periods 36 hours per week, on a rota basis between 8am – 6pm. For our permanent Pupil Support Assistant posts, the role will be permanent to Perth & Kinross Council but the location of the role may change based on requirement.
Skills & Experience Required
You will also be able to demonstrate an ability to work effectively within a team and on your own initiative. You will have excellent communication skills and a positive approach to working with children. A knowledge of a wide range of learning needs and how to foster positive relationships would be an advantage. A knowledge of behaviour management strategies and how to foster positive relationships would be an advantage.
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 public holidays 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.
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. 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 Helen Roach, Area Co-ordinator or Susan Johnstone, Team Leader by email at childcare@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. 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.
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.
Working with children and/or protected adults is regulated work and under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 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.
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, Various Kids Clubs in the Perth & Kinross Council Area - PKC14043 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, Various Kids Clubs in the Perth & Kinross Council Area - PKC14043
✨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, Various Kids Clubs in the Perth & Kinross Council Area - PKC14043
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.
