At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with additional needs in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: St Mary's RC Primary School, part of West Lothian Council.
- Benefits: Permanent position, diverse workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to inclusive education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for education and ability to support diverse learners.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
2 x 27.5 hrs per week, 39 weeks per year - Permanent
We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
West Lothian Council are committed to far reaching changes to the way we deliver our Education Services. These changes include giving you the support and environment that you need to get on with your job and develop your abilities. Our dedication is demonstrated by the whole council achievement of the Investors in People Standard and always aiming a little higher in our service delivery and improvements.
Two permanent Advanced Pupil Support Worker posts have arisen within the Enhanced Resource Base (ERB) at St Mary’s Primary School in Polbeth.
The successful candidates will provide direct support to pupils across the ERB. Under the direction of the designated teachers and SLT, the postholder will support learning by undertaking a range of activities relating to the general supervision, safety, personal and pastoral care and wellbeing of pupils. The successful candidate will act as a facilitator for the full participation and integration of those with additional needs and support pupils within the classroom and around the school setting.
This position requires registration with the SSSC. The successful candidate will have six months from the date of commencement of this post to become registered with the SSSC. SSSC stipulate you must submit your application within three months of your start date. If you are already registered with SSSC you will be required to add West Lothian Council to your account.
This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer of employment being made by West Lothian Council.
For further information please contact Helen Pritchard, Headteacher e-mail: helen.pritichard@westlothian.org.uk
Pupil Support Worker - Advanced x 2, St Mary's RC Primary School, 505.42 - WEL10458 in Mid Calder employer: West Lothian Council
West Lothian Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, particularly for those in the education sector. With a strong commitment to employee development and well-being, we offer opportunities for growth and professional advancement while ensuring that our workforce reflects the diverse community we serve. Working at St Mary's RC Primary School in Polbeth not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with additional needs but also provides a collaborative atmosphere where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pupil Support Worker - Advanced x 2, St Mary's RC Primary School, 505.42 - WEL10458 in Mid Calder
✨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 Lothian 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 Lothian 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 Lothian 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 Lothian 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 Worker - Advanced x 2, St Mary's RC Primary School, 505.42 - WEL10458 in Mid Calder
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 Lothian Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to West Lothian 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 Lothian 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.
