Educational & Skills Academy Assistants

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Education and Skills Academy Assistant will support the delivery and operational running of practical vocational learning within the Skills Academy, working under the direction of Skills Academy Coaches and GTCS-registered teaching staff.

The post holder will provide hands‑on support to young people on an individual and small group basis, enabling them to access and engage in practical learning across a range of vocational areas including plumbing, electrical, bicycle maintenance, painting and decorating, digital and life skills.

The role is focused on supporting engagement, reinforcing learning, promoting safe participation and developing confidence and independence, particularly for young people who may require additional support to succeed in practical learning environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of practical workshop sessions planned by Skills Academy Coaches
• Work on a one‑to‑one and small group basis to support young people’s engagement and understanding
• Reinforce instructions, demonstrations and learning activities delivered by Coaches
• Support safe use of tools, materials and equipment under supervision
• Encourage positive behaviour, participation and effort in practical sessions
• Assist with preparation and organisation of workshop resources and materials
• Observe and record learner engagement, progress and practical skill development
• Support young people to build confidence, independence and employability skills
• Promote safe working practices and model appropriate behaviour
• Work collaboratively with Coaches, teachers and care staff to support young people’s needs

Supporting Learning and Programme Delivery

• Support the delivery of practical vocational sessions planned and led by skills coaches and GTCS registered teaching staff
• Work directly with young people to reinforce instructions, demonstrations and practical tasks
• Provide one‑to‑one and small group support to ensure learners remain engaged and on task
• Support young people with additional support needs, including social, emotional and behavioural needs
• Assist in adapting tasks and instructions to meet individual learner needs
• Support the preparation and organisation of tools, materials, workshop and classroom activities

Supporting Attainment, Qualifications and Progression

• Support learners working towards SCQF and vocational qualifications delivered within the academy and school as required
• Reinforce learning and practical skill development as directed by coaches
• Help learners to complete tasks that contribute to portfolio and evidence gathering
• Encourage development of employability skills including communication, teamwork and resilience

Promoting Positive Relationships and Professional Behaviour

• Build positive, supportive and professional relationships with young people
• Encourage confidence, motivation and resilience in all learning environments
• Promote positive behaviour and teamwork within workshop and school settings
• Support restorative and trauma‑informed approaches
• Work collaboratively with coaches, teachers, care staff and other professionals

Assisting with Resources and Workshop Administration

• Assist with preparation and organisation of workshop and classroom materials, tools and equipment
• Support the maintenance of safe, organised and effective working environments
• Assist with all safe check procedures including tool inventory, equipment set‑up and end‑of‑session clear down
• Contribute to basic record keeping, including learner engagement and participation
• Support requisition management and resource organisation as directed

Ensuring Health, Safety and Wellbeing

• Support safe working practices and movement including transitions across all environments
• Reinforce safety instructions and appropriate, safe use of tools and equipment
• Supervise young people to ensure safe behaviour during taught activities
• Contribute to a safe and supportive environment for all learners
• Support management of challenging behaviour
• Promote confidence, independence and wellbeing through structured support

General Core Competences

• An understanding of the importance of safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Basic organisational and administrative skills
• A consistent ability to work effectively as part of a multi‑disciplinary team
• A willingness to learn and develop a knowledge of vocational areas
• Commitment to supporting young people with diverse needs
• Understanding of the importance of health and safety and security at Rossie
• Commitment to Rossie’s values and vision

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge Base (Essential)

• Awareness of strategies to support young people with a range of additional and complex needs
• Awareness of the impact of trauma on behaviour and learning

Knowledge Base (Desirable)

• An awareness of Additional Support Needs
• An awareness and understanding of Curriculum for Excellence
• Awareness of vocational learning pathways and employability skills development
• Understanding of working within secure or residential care
• Awareness of the importance of safety within practical or workshop environments

Qualifications (Essential)

• Standard grades or National Qualifications
• Willingness to undertake training relevant to vocational workshop environments and trauma‑informed practice

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Evidence of National Qualifications in English and Maths
• Relevant qualification or experience in care or practical and vocational subjects
• Training in trauma‑informed practice, safeguarding or behaviour support

Experience (Essential)

• Working with young people in an educational, care or similar environment
• Working as part of a team to support learning, development or care

Experience (Desirable)

• Supporting practical or hands‑on learning activities

Skills (Essential)

• Use of ICT to support learning
• Ability to engage young people
• Self‑motivated
• Ability to problem‑solve
• Ability to resolve conflict
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to follow instruction and seek help and advice as appropriate

Skills (Desirable)

• Basic understanding and competence in practical or vocational activities
• An understanding of coaching or mentoring approaches
• Awareness of health and safety within workshop or practical environment

Qualities (Essential)

• Ability to build positive relationships
• Respectful and empathetic
• Flexible, adaptable and resilient
• Non‑judgemental
• A strong sense of honesty and integrity
• Willingness to be accountable and hold others to account
• Solution focused
• Emotionally Intelligent

Full Clean Driving Licence – Essential

Hours and Salary

• Hours: 37 per week
• Salary: £28,115 – £29,920 (SCP 17-20)

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