At a Glance
- Tasks: Support primary school pupils with social and emotional wellbeing in a dynamic team.
- Company: Scottish Borders Council, dedicated to inclusion and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, temporary contract until 2027, and on-the-job training.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to social justice and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and promote equality in education.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications required, just a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 16305 - 17156 £ per year.
This post is a unique and exciting opportunity to work as a peripatetic Pupil Support Assistant across a number of primary schools within the Scottish Borders, in the Galashiels & Selkirk Clusters.
The successful candidate will play an important role in Scottish Borders Council’s Inclusion and Wellbeing Service which consists of:
- Inclusion and Wellbeing Service Outreach – The specific part of the team this post will be working within, is a peripatetic team working in mainstream primary schools as a targeted early intervention to help schools understand and meet the needs of their pupils experiencing barriers to learning linked to their social and emotional wellbeing.
- Bilingual Support – A peripatetic service who support Bilingual primary and secondary pupils across the Scottish Borders. They work in partnership with schools, homes and other agencies to meet the educational needs of bilingual learners and promote equality of opportunity through inclusion. This work involves ensuring access to the curriculum, raising self-esteem and valuing bilingual children’s linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
The successful applicant appointed to this post will be part of the dedicated Peripatetic IWS Outreach team working within the Inclusion and Wellbeing Service. This team consists of both teachers and Pupil Support Assistants.
Professionals who are passionate about inclusive practice, nurture and nurturing approaches, committed to social justice and supporting children with social, emotional and behavioural needs are invited to apply for this post. The Inclusion and Wellbeing Service has the main aim of supporting vulnerable Children and Young people in and across the Scottish Borders and in delivering Scottish Borders Council’s Inclusion Strategy.
Essential No formal qualifications are required, but an acceptable standard of school education is desirable. Pupil Support Assistants will be required to undertake on the job training as and when available.
Informal enquiries may be made to Doug Crabbe at Douglas.crabbe@scotborders.gov.uk.
Scottish Borders Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010. In particular from candidates who assess themselves as having a disability, under the Disability Confident Employer scheme this guarantees an interview to those individuals who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.
Scottish Borders Council is committed to providing support for Armed Forces Veterans. Showing its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, the Council guarantees an interview to veterans who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.
Pupil Support Assistant - Galashiels and Selkirk Cluster - SBO09696 employer: Scottish Borders Council
Scottish Borders Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for its staff. As a Pupil Support Assistant within the Inclusion and Wellbeing Service, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children and young people in the Galashiels and Selkirk clusters. The council prioritises employee growth through on-the-job training and values diversity, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected within the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pupil Support Assistant - Galashiels and Selkirk Cluster - SBO09696
✨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 Scottish Borders 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 Scottish Borders 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 Scottish Borders 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 Scottish Borders 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 - Galashiels and Selkirk Cluster - SBO09696
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 Scottish Borders Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Scottish Borders 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 Scottish Borders 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.
