At a Glance
- Tasks: Create a safe and stimulating environment for young children while implementing engaging activities.
- Company: Join West Dunbartonshire Council, a top flexible employer committed to work-life balance.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and access to wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional growth await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in childcare.
- Qualifications: Experience with pre-five children and relevant qualifications like HNC in Childhood Practice.
The predicted salary is between 23615 - 25674 £ per year.
Post 1 - 35 hours - fixed term until 30/06/2027. Work Pattern: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm (1 hour unpaid break each date or hours agreed with Head Teacher).
Post 2 - 14 hours - Permanent. Work Pattern: Thursday and Friday. (the salary will be pro-rata'd to the hours worked).
West Dunbartonshire Council is seeking to recruit enthusiastic and skilled Early Learning and Childcare Officers to join our team at Ferryfield Early Learning and Childcare Centre. Staff will work contracted hours in line with the needs of the service.
This post is peripatetic, and successful applicants may be relocated to a different centre at any time, based on service needs.
Main duties of the post include:
- Contributing to the provision of a safe, caring, and stimulating nursery environment for all children.
- Supporting and implementing a relevant curriculum in line with national and local guidance.
- Planning, recording, implementing, and evaluating suitable programmes of activities.
- Maintaining and recording children’s progress and assessments.
- Promoting parental participation in the learning process.
Essential Criteria:
- Experience working with pre-five children in a relevant setting.
- Knowledge of the Curriculum for Excellence (Early Level) and Pre-Birth to Three guidance.
- A flexible approach and the ability to adapt to change.
Qualifications: Candidates must hold one of the following:
- NNEB (or modular equivalent)
- HNC in Childhood Practice
- SVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Social Services (Children and Young People)
Successful candidates who are not already registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as practitioners will be required to do so within 3 months of their appointment.
This post is considered a Regulated Role with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2020 and as such membership with the PVG scheme is essential.
Preferred applicants will be required to become members of the relevant PVG scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer being made by West Dunbartonshire Council.
The employment for which you are applying is excepted from the provisions of section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order 1975. Applicants are, therefore, not statutorily entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are "spent" under the provisions of the Act. In the event of employment any failure to disclose such convictions could result in dismissal or disciplinary action.
WDC was voted one of the top ten flexible employers and prides itself in providing flexible working to support work life balance. In addition to this there are also additional benefits:
- Access to the Local Government pension scheme (LGPS) with an employer’s contribution of at least 19.3% and all associated benefits
- A minimum of 25 days annual leave, increasing a day each year up to 35 days as well as 8 fixed public holidays each year
- Access to employee wellbeing supports including occupational health & counselling if ever you need help and support
Now that you have read the role and what we have to offer, we would love to hear from you. Please use the application to tell us your experience, and why you are the candidate for this role.
For information about West Dunbartonshire Council please click on the following link and see why we are an employer of choice: About Us
More information on the benefits of working within West Dunbartonshire Council can be found using the following link: Benefits of Working With Us
ELC Officer (Full-Time) (Fixed Term) (Ferryfield Early Learning and Childcare Centre) (2 posts) -... in Alexandria employer: West Dunbartonshire Council
West Dunbartonshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises work-life balance. With access to a generous pension scheme, increasing annual leave, and comprehensive employee wellbeing supports, staff at Ferryfield Early Learning and Childcare Centre can thrive both personally and professionally. The council's commitment to employee growth and development makes it an attractive place for those passionate about early childhood education.
Contact Details:
West Dunbartonshire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ELC Officer (Full-Time) (Fixed Term) (Ferryfield Early Learning and Childcare Centre) (2 posts) -... in Alexandria
✨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 West Dunbartonshire 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 West Dunbartonshire 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 West Dunbartonshire 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 West Dunbartonshire 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 ELC Officer (Full-Time) (Fixed Term) (Ferryfield Early Learning and Childcare Centre) (2 posts) -... in Alexandria
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 West Dunbartonshire Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to West Dunbartonshire 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 West Dunbartonshire 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.
