At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with learning difficulties and help them achieve personal goals.
- Company: Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School, a caring and aspirational environment.
- Benefits: Full training, professional development, and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Other info: Term-time only working pattern with a friendly and supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in children's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Creative, compassionate, and resilient individuals are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 29420 - 35958 £ per year.
Full-time and Part-time Opportunities Available
Make a difference every day at Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School. Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School is a thriving and aspirational special school for pupils aged 2-19 with severe, complex, and profound multiple learning difficulties. We are looking for caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Special Support Assistants to join our exceptional team.
No two days are the same at QEII. Every day brings new challenges, new experiences and, most importantly, opportunities to make a genuine difference to the lives of our pupils. Whether supporting a young person to communicate for the first time, achieve a personal goal, develop their independence or simply celebrate a small but significant success, you will play a vital role in helping our pupils reach their full potential.
We have full-time vacancies available (with some part-time opportunities) working 8.30am-3.30pm, Monday to Friday, term time only. Salary: Grade 5 or 6, depending on experience.
Full training will be provided and we are committed to supporting your professional growth through ongoing development opportunities. Apprenticeship routes are also available.
If you are creative, compassionate, resilient and excited by the opportunity to work in a school where every achievement is celebrated, we would love to hear from you.
Why join us?
- Every day is different and rewarding
- Be part of a friendly and supportive team
- Make a lasting difference to children's lives
- Excellent training and professional development opportunities
- Apprenticeship opportunities available
- Term-time only working pattern
Visits to the school are highly recommended and can be arranged outside school hours. Electronic applications are preferred.
Safeguarding Statement
Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.
How to Apply
NOTE TO CANDIDATES - Please do not select the ‘Apply online’ button as the school processes your applications directly rather than through this site. To apply for this role please click on the Application Attachment links below. Please complete the application form and ensure that you outline your motivations for applying and explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills in the job description). Once complete please return this to sbm@qe2school.co.uk. Should you have any questions regarding the role or the application please contact the school directly.
Special Support Assistant in Horsham employer: West Sussex County Council
West Sussex County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises community impact and employee wellbeing. With opportunities for professional development and a focus on strengths-based approaches, you will be empowered to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model in the beautiful surroundings of West Sussex.
Contact Details:
West Sussex County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Support Assistant in Horsham
✨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 Sussex County 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 Sussex County 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 Sussex County 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 Sussex County 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 Special Support Assistant in Horsham
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 Sussex County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to West Sussex County 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 Sussex County 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.
