At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families in various nurseries across Stirlingshire.
- Company: Join Stirling Council and be part of a passionate team.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and health support.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in early childhood education while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Hold or be working towards an ELC qualification at SCQF level 6.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for enthusiastic Pool Supply Support Worker Early Childhood Educators (SWECE) to work at various locations throughout the Stirling Council area. Successful candidates will support a variety of nurseries across Stirlingshire; therefore, access to your own transport is essential.
Candidates should hold or be working towards a relevant ELC qualification, at a minimum of SCQF level 6. This role provides a career pathway in ELC where interested SWECEs can, in the future, explore further training to work towards a level 7 qualification and be equipped with the necessary skills and competencies to work alongside our settings to deliver high-quality practice.
You will work within a variety of teams supporting our children and families. We are looking for someone who is passionate, motivated, and adaptable. Pool Supply SWECEs gain valuable skills and knowledge from a variety of highly skilled teams throughout Stirling Council. It is an ideal opportunity to further your experience and build confidence in your practice.
This is a full-time post where you will work as a Pool SWECE in a variety of settings. Pool staff are generally required to work shifts between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday; however, set shifts of Monday to Friday 10am-6pm or 4 days 8am-6pm can be discussed at interview.
The successful candidate will be required to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) for Children. If your application is progressed after the interview, you will be asked to complete the form and have your details verified.
If you’ve got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from the right candidates regardless of age (restrictions apply to Modern Apprenticeships), disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, or race.
The Benefits:
- 30 days annual leave plus 7 public holidays (rising to 35 after 5 years continuous service) pro-rated for part-time roles.
- Flexible working including hybrid office/work from home arrangements where the role allows.
- Biennial incremental progression until the top of your payscale is reached.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Up to 6 months full sick pay and 6 months half pay dependent on length of service.
- Carers Leave.
- Up to 4 weeks paid Paternity Leave.
- Access to Health & Wellbeing support.
- Ongoing opportunities for Learning & Development.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Lift share Scheme.
- Car Lease Scheme.
- Technology Benefit Scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker Early Childhood Educator - Pool - 102253 - 479004 in Montrose
✨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 Stirling 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 Stirling 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 Stirling 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 Stirling 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 Support Worker Early Childhood Educator - Pool - 102253 - 479004 in Montrose
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 Stirling Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Stirling 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 Stirling 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.
