Job Introduction
An opportunity has arisen in our team for a Bilingual Learning Assistant who speaks Spanish. This is a busy, sometimes challenging role, perfect for someone who wants to make a difference to children's lives and enjoys working as part of a culturally diverse team.
The service
EMAS are a team of Bilingual Learning Assistants, Bilingual Support Officers and Advisers working with the Education team. We work in partnership with schools to meet the needs of bilingual learners and ethnic minority pupils at risk of under-achievement. We support pupils across both primary and secondary age phases, as well as in nursery settings.
The Role
You will provide a support service complementary to teaching activities, primarily through first language or bilingual communication, acting as a classroom assistant and supporting the language and learning needs of pupils, particularly in their access to the national curriculum. You will support the class/subject teacher or EMAS adviser in providing a stress-free 'settling-in' period for new entrants, recent arrivals or returnees from extended stays in country of origin. You will assist in monitoring progress and assessing performance, communicate important information to teachers about the child's full language repertoire, and assist in the production of bilingual language/curriculum support materials.
The ideal candidate
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fluency in English and first language
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good numeracy and literacy skills
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excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills
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experience of working with children at home and/or in a school setting
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experience of interpretation and translation (formally or informally)
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the ability to deal with different situations in a sensitive manner particularly when working with children, families and schools.
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the ability to support school staff effectively in the classroom
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an understanding of the need for confidentiality in working with children, school staff and parents
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the ability to promote diversity within the school setting (including religion, culture and language)
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to remain calm and focussed when working under pressure
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the willingness to learn and develop additional skills required by the service
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to be mobile enough to work at locations city wide as required by the service.
Please see the Job profile for the full details and expectations of this role
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
As part of Local Government Reorganisation, current plans will see Portsmouth City Council combine with the district and borough councils of Fareham, Gosport and Havant and parts of East Hampshire and Winchester district councils to form a new, larger unitary authority for south east Hampshire.
We are working towards an implementation date of 1st April 2028, known as vesting day, subject to Parliamentary approval. Until then, we remain focused on maintaining continuity, supporting our workforce, and continuing to deliver excellent services to our residents throughout the transition to the new unitary authority.
This is an exciting time to join us, offering the opportunity to contribute to organisational transformation, develop your career, and help shape future services for our communities.
More information about Local Government Reorganisation can be found on our website: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/council-and-democracy/your-council/devolution-and-lgr/
Additional Information
We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
Our recruitment process
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal
You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Please read the relevant DBS privacy notice before submitting any information.
You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact [email protected] or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.
