School Support Assistant - Portobello High School in Midlothian
School Support Assistant - Portobello High School

School Support Assistant - Portobello High School in Midlothian

Midlothian Part-Time 26806 - 27032 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
The City of Edinburgh Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support a busy Food and Textile Technology department with practical lessons and resource management.
  • Company: Portobello High School, committed to diversity and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a supportive team environment.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team that values respect, integrity, and flexibility.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a dynamic setting.
  • Qualifications: Experience in teamwork, ICT proficiency, and a commitment to food hygiene practices.

The predicted salary is between 26806 - 27032 £ per year.

Salary: £26,806 - £27,032 (pro-rata for part‑time and sessional)

Hours: 30 per week, 39 weeks sessional

We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised person to join our team supporting a busy Food and Textile Technology (Home Economics) department. This role supports learning and teaching and involves setting up practical lessons with food and equipment. Key other tasks include stock control, ordering, resource preparation and management of a food preparation room.

This is a diverse role that requires a high level of energy with strong communication and planning skills. Adherence to risk assessments, knowledge of good practices around food hygiene and preparation and current relevant training are essential. The successful candidate will have experience of working as part of a team and be able to demonstrate a commitment and willingness to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service. They will also be competent users of ICT and have knowledge and experience of using databases, spreadsheets and word documents. Candidates will be expected to provide basic first aid. A suitable qualification in first aid or considerable experience in this area along with a willingness to undertake any necessary training is essential.

Desired qualities:

  • Energy and a positive attitude
  • Flexibility
  • Empathy and commitment to providing the best care and support to our young people
  • Resilience
  • Organised and attention to detail
  • Ability to form positive relationships with staff and young people quickly
  • A good sense of humour

Working hours will be Monday to Thursday 08:00-15:25 and Friday 08:00-12:15.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

The post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre‑employment checks being deemed satisfactory.

As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we’re recruiting the best people. We’re interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.

Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and annually increases until it reaches the top of the range. Happy to talk flexible working.

School Support Assistant - Portobello High School in Midlothian employer: The City of Edinburgh Council

Portobello High School is an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment, prioritising the well-being and development of its staff. With a commitment to diversity and equal opportunities, the school encourages professional growth through training and flexible working arrangements, making it an ideal place for those passionate about supporting young people in their educational journey.
The City of Edinburgh Council

Contact Detail:

The City of Edinburgh Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land School Support Assistant - Portobello High School in Midlothian

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the school and its culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Portobello High School. Check out their website, social media, and any recent news. This will help you understand their values and how you can fit in.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your energy and enthusiasm! During the interview, let your passion for supporting young people shine through. Share examples of how you've positively impacted students or worked in a team before. We want to see that spark!

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready to discuss your flexibility and adaptability. The role requires a lot of juggling, so think of times when you've had to adjust quickly to changing circumstances. We love candidates who can roll with the punches!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to highlight your ICT skills! Since you'll be using databases and spreadsheets, be prepared to talk about your experience with these tools. If you’ve got any cool tricks up your sleeve, share them with us!

We think you need these skills to ace School Support Assistant - Portobello High School in Midlothian

Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Food Hygiene Knowledge
Risk Assessment Adherence
Teamwork
Flexibility
ICT Competence
Database Management
Spreadsheet Proficiency
Word Processing Skills
First Aid Qualification or Experience
Attention to Detail
Empathy
Resilience
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people shine through. We want to see that you’re excited about the role and ready to bring energy to our Food and Textile Technology department!

Be Organised and Detailed: Make sure your application is well-structured and free of errors. Highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail, as these are key for managing resources and preparing lessons effectively.

Demonstrate Team Spirit: We love a good team player! Share examples of how you've worked collaboratively in the past. This will show us that you can form positive relationships with both staff and students, which is super important in this role.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to tailor it to the specific requirements of the School Support Assistant role. Mention your relevant experience with food hygiene, first aid, and ICT skills to stand out.

How to prepare for a job interview at The City of Edinburgh Council

✨Know Your Role Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a School Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the Food and Textile Technology department's needs, such as lesson setup and stock control. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since this role involves working closely with staff and students, be prepared to discuss your communication style. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated in a team or built positive relationships. Highlighting your ability to connect with young people will set you apart.

✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Energy

The job requires a high level of energy and flexibility. Be ready to share instances where you've adapted to changing circumstances or taken on additional responsibilities. Showing that you're willing to go the extra mile will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Expect questions about how you embody the behaviours of Respect, Integrity, and Flexibility. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that illustrate these qualities. This will not only show that you align with their values but also that you’re committed to creating a positive environment.

School Support Assistant - Portobello High School in Midlothian
The City of Edinburgh Council
Location: Midlothian

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