Lifeskills & Engagement Practitioner

The closing date for completed applications for this post is 9am on Thursday 06 August 2026, and it is anticipated interviews will take place on Tuesday 18 August 2026.

Hours: 35 hours per week (Monday-Friday 830am–430pm)

Salary:  £30,597 - £32,785 (SCP 21 - 24)

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The successful candidate will deliver an engaging and stimulating life skills curriculum that prepares young people for healthy, informed, independent living. Working with young people in both secure and residential school settings, the Lifeskills and Engagement Practitioner will develop young people's knowledge, confidence and practical skills in areas such as food preparation, nutrition, budgeting, health and wellbeing, and everyday independent living. The post holder will support young people to make informed choices that promote positive physical and mental health outcomes, encourage active participation in learning, and ensure that young people's voices are heard and valued. Through collaborative working the post holder will contribute to creating a safe, supportive and aspirational environment that promotes wellbeing, achievement and successful transitions:

• Support young people, through timetabled sessions, to engage with learning on practical skills for living, including food preparation and hygiene, planning and budgeting, and healthy lifestyle choices.

• Contribute to, understand and work to lesson plans

• Ensure that young people’s learning outcomes are evidenced

• Working alongside Education, Care, Throughcare and Advocacy colleagues, deliver sessions, which promote the young people’s voice within service design and delivery

• Adherence to risk assessments and safety plans

 Practical skills for living, food and nutrition:

• Teach different aspects of life skills, including managing money, family and community relationships, practical skills for independent living, food technology, and making health choices.

• Prepare all young people to make positive choices and, where appropriate, support progression towards pathways in health, food production, hospitality or catering.

• Teach students of different ages and abilities and support young people preparing for National Qualifications in this subject.

Planning, delivery and learning evidence:

• Adhere to national guidance set out in Curriculum for Excellence, based on health and wellbeing and National Qualifications, when contributing to learning and evidence gathering.

• In conjunction with GTCS registered teaching staff, prepare lessons and teaching materials, assess progress, mark work, set homework and evidence learning outcomes.

Young people’s voice, participation and achievement:

• Encourage young people to take pride in their achievements inside and outside school.

• Support young people to build positive relationships, participate in life at Rossie, our local community, and contribute to engagement activities linked to service design and delivery.

Safety, wellbeing and positive relationships:

• Manage challenging behaviour, build positive relationships and support classroom behaviour in line with risk assessments, safety plans and school policy.

• Use imagination, enthusiasm and creativity to bring learning to life for young people.

Collaboration and professional practice:

• Work closely with colleagues to plan school timetables and liaise with relevant professionals, including educational psychologists and social workers.

• Where appropriate, discuss young people’s progress with parents and carers and support study trips, social activities and sports events.

• Attend meetings and all mandatory and role-relevant training courses.

Please note this job description is to provide a clear and concise statement of the main tasks and activities of the post, and it is not intended as an exhaustive list of every aspect of the post holder's duties.  All the above duties will be carried out in line with Rossie policies and procedures. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Knowledge Base (Essential):

• Working knowledge of Curriculum for Excellence, particularly health, wellbeing and lifeskills.

• Understanding of relational, trauma-informed practice and the needs of care experienced young people.

• Sound understanding of professional boundaries, safeguarding responsibilities and safe practice

Knowledge Base (Desirable): 

• Awareness of effective learning, teaching and assessment across the curriculum.

• Understanding of children’s rights, child protection, allergen awareness and first aid.

• Experience of promoting pupil engagement, participation and voice in a residential or additional support setting.

Qualifications (Essential):

• Level 2 Food hygiene certification, or willingness to achieve this

Qualifications (Desirable):

• Level 3 food hygiene certificate

• HNC Social Care, SVQ 3 or equivalent relevant qualification.

Experience (Essential):

• Experience in a school, care or relevant industry context that supports practical life skills or Home Economics

• Experience interacting with young people in a professional, voluntary or equivalent capacity

Experience (Desirable):

• Awareness of National Qualifications and assessment expectations.

• Experience of supporting achievement, learning and engagement, within care or additional support settings.

Skills (Essential):

• Strong interpersonal, communication and organisational skills

• Practical cookery and baking skills appropriate to the role

• Confidence using ICT to support learning, planning and recording

Skills (Desirable):

• Interest in developing the use of ICT in learning and teaching

Qualities (Essential):

• Commitment to Rossie’s aims, vision and values.

• Professional, proactive, motivated, calm and resilient.

• Committed to advocating for young people and supporting positive outcomes.

• Flexible and adaptable in to changing needs and priorities.

Qualities (Desirable):

• Creative and innovative in designing engaging learning experiences.

• Naturally curious and committed to keeping up to date with developments in food, nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

• Confident in promoting wider achievement and celebrating success

• Positive, solution-focused approach to overcoming barriers to engagement

Full Clean Driving Licence - Essential