Advanced Pupil Support Worker X 3, Connolly School Campus and Burnhouse Skills Centre, 498.67

Job Advert

30 hours per week, 39 weeks per year, fixed term until 13 April 2026

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.

We are seeking enthusiastic Advanced Pupil Support Workers to join the support team working with young people across the Skills Centre (Burnhouse) based in Whitburn and Connolly House, Blackburn.

Postholders work under the direction of the designated teacher, to work with and support school pupils by undertaking a range of activities relating to the general supervision, safety, care and wellbeing of pupils.

Alongside the Teacher and other experienced support staff you will be supporting and building positive relationships with children and young people.  The young person will look to form a bond with you to help them succeed despite their severe and complex needs and typically severe learning difficulties.  The work can involve

Child Development

Duties relating to pupil development within the learning environment may include, for example

• Assisting with developing communication skills using alternative methods of communication and support specialist programmes such as speech therapy or motor skills
• Under the Teacher’s direction help the planning and evaluation of a pupil’s individual educational programme
• keeping pupils on task and provide help organising their learning experiences and, where appropriate, additional explanation of the teacher’s instructions.

Care and Welfare

Duties relating to pupil pastoral care and the promotion of child health and safety will include, for example:

• with training and support help deliver the child’s Health Care Plan e.g. administering medication by injection, epi pen or assist suctioning to help the child’s breathing. There will also be a responsibility for the safe storage of required medication.
• Support for children who may be affected by social inclusion, family difficulties, self-esteem and making choices
• Assisting with personal care and hygiene.
• Provide short term emergency care for sick children. This will include, on occasion, dealing with unpleasant and disagreeable substances when cleaning up spilt bodily fluids such as sickness.

This post is considered Regulated Work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scotland Act 2007. From 28 February 2011 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 Rachel McKay, Headteacher e-mail: Rachel.mckay@westlothian.org.uk