At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people in overcoming learning challenges and improving their skills.
- Company: Bruntsfield Primary School, dedicated to making a positive impact on students' lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and young people, especially those with social and emotional needs.
Pupil Support Officer - fixed term until 26/07/2027, Bruntsfield Primary School
Salary: £30,188-£34,452 (pro rata for part time and sessional). Hours: 32 per week, 39 weeks sessional.
We are looking for a committed, passionate and inspiring member to join our team as a Pupil Support Officer (PSO). Are you kind, patient, caring and passionate about making a positive difference? Are you skilled in helping support children and young people disengaged from learning or who are experiencing difficulties in their lives? Do children and young people respond well to your support?
Role
Your role will be crucial in helping to address the poverty related attainment gap. The post is funded by Pupil Equity Funding with a focus on addressing poverty related gap. This is an exciting opportunity to work as part of the Bruntsfield team in an established role. The successful candidate will have substantial experience working with children and young people with social and emotional needs. They need to be creative, well organised, effective communicators who are passionate about supporting children and young people with support needs.
Experienced PSAs or those who can demonstrate their experience working with children and their families are encouraged to apply. This role will involve supporting children with attendance, working with groups or individuals to improve literacy, numeracy and social skills as well as building trusting relationships with children and their families which may involve support within family homes.
Desirable experience
- Trained in providing nurturing approaches to lead groups and tracking impact
- Raising attainment by supporting learners through targeted interventions and strategies
- Tracking attendance and attainment
Training opportunities will be provided once the successful candidate is in post. This 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.
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.
Find out more about our commitment to equalities: Inclusive Edinburgh
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. Happy to talk flexible working.
Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and annually increases until it reaches the top of the range.
Pupil Support Officer - Bruntsfield Primary School employer: The City of Edinburgh Council
Bruntsfield Primary School is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong focus on professional development, the school offers training opportunities to enhance your skills while working collaboratively with a passionate team committed to making a positive impact on children's lives. Located in a vibrant community, Bruntsfield Primary values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds, ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.
Contact Details:
The City of Edinburgh Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pupil Support Officer - Bruntsfield Primary School
✨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 The City of Edinburgh 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 The City of Edinburgh 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 The City of Edinburgh 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 The City of Edinburgh 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 Officer - Bruntsfield Primary School
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 The City of Edinburgh Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The City of Edinburgh 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 The City of Edinburgh 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.
