At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with learning difficulties during teaching and free time.
- Company: A dedicated school committed to nurturing and safeguarding children.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, work in a supportive team, and make a real difference.
- Other info: Active role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Empower students and help them thrive in a caring environment.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, and a willingness to learn; previous experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35892 £ per year.
We are looking to recruit Classroom/ Personal Support Assistants to start as soon as possible. As well as the main Reynalds Cross site we have a Satellite site in Green Lane, Shirley and you may be asked to work at either. You will be joining teams of dedicated and supportive professionals working with pupils who have learning difficulties.
If you have the ability to show empathy, patience, initiative and understanding needed when working with pupils who have a range of learning difficulties, complex medical needs and behavioural challenges we would love to hear from you.
The job requires you to support during teaching time and free choice times. You will have personal pupil care plans to follow and part of your role will involve carrying out personal care and hygiene needs. There is a physical and active element to this role so you will need a good level of physical fitness.
Previous experience of working in a school or special school environment would be helpful but is not essential. Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and children to share this commitment. All staff are expected to have an enhanced DBS check.
Personal Support Assistant employer: Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
At Reynalds Cross, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for our Classroom/Personal Support Assistants. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing training opportunities and a culture that values empathy and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the lives of pupils with learning difficulties. Located in Shirley, our school provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of working within a dedicated team focused on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Contact Details:
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Support Assistant
✨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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough 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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough 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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough 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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough 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 Personal Support Assistant
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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Solihull Metropolitan Borough 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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough 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.
