At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' wellbeing in a safe space and collaborate with the pastoral team.
- Company: The Perse School Cambridge, a leading independent school focused on staff engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to fostering student success and happiness.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and a passion for their emotional wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 27300 - 28000 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge
Salary: £23,086 (FTE £33,789)
Working Hours: 32.5 hours a week, term time only – will consider job share.
About the School: The Perse School Cambridge is one of the country's leading independent co‑educational day schools for children aged 3‑18. Our aim is to be a leading employer of choice. We strive to be a school where staff say they are proud and excited to work, and feel valued, respected and motivated. We are committed to providing a very competitive salary and benefits scheme at the same time as offering a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development. We want our staff to feel engaged and purposeful so that they, in turn, help pupils to be happy and successful.
Role: An interesting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and committed individual to join our pastoral team and help promote the welfare of our students. The main purpose of this role is to oversee a dedicated room that serves as a safe space for pupils who are unable to remain in their usual lessons or social areas due to their emotional state, or who would benefit from a short break from the normal school routine to reset and continue their day.
Responsibilities:
- Provide one‑to‑one support for pupils who arrive throughout the day.
- Assess pupils’ needs and create a calm and safe environment.
- Communicate effectively with the wider pastoral team.
- Liaise with the attendance officer, tutors and classroom teachers.
- Collaborate with the specialist support offered by the pastoral team, SEND team, senior tutors, emotional wellbeing support worker, counsellors and nurses on site.
- Assist with pastoral administration tasks when the room is not in use by pupils.
Person Specification:
Education/Qualifications: Applicants should have experience working with young people in any capacity (school, youth work, volunteering etc.) and an interest in young people’s wellbeing and emotional regulation. No formal qualifications are required, but a willingness to undertake training in areas such as basic mental wellbeing or skills to support young people with their mental wellbeing would be an advantage.
Our Ideal Candidate Would:
- Demonstrate competency in using ICT systems, such as Microsoft Office, effectively for communication, data management, and reporting.
- Take initiative, identify tasks without being prompted, and work independently to achieve objectives.
- Work comfortably with colleagues, contributing positively to team dynamics and shared goals.
- Possess clear and effective verbal and written communication skills suitable for engaging with staff and students.
- Have some experience in supporting young people with their wellbeing or pastoral needs (specialist mental health training is not required).
- Think critically and resolve issues efficiently.
- Maintain composure under pressure, respond thoughtfully to challenges, and demonstrate resilience in a dynamic environment.
It Is Desirable For The Successful Candidate To Have:
- An understanding of the developmental, emotional, social and educational issues of children and young people.
- An awareness of the range of needs of people from diverse ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds.
- Knowledge of wellbeing issues and SEND needs that affect young people.
- Minimum of 1 year’s experience of working with children and young people.
- Experience of working as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
Closing Date: The closing date for applications is Wednesday 17th June at midday.
Pastoral Support Assistant in Cambridge employer: TipTopJob
The Perse School Cambridge is dedicated to being an employer of choice, fostering a work environment where staff feel valued, respected, and motivated. With a competitive salary and benefits scheme, alongside ample opportunities for personal and professional development, we ensure our employees are engaged and purposeful in their roles, ultimately contributing to the happiness and success of our students. Located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, our school offers a unique chance to be part of a supportive pastoral team that prioritises the wellbeing of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Support Assistant in Cambridge
✨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 TipTopJob.
✨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 TipTopJob!
✨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 TipTopJob, 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 TipTopJob 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 Pastoral Support Assistant in Cambridge
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 TipTopJob:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to TipTopJob! 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 TipTopJob
✨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.