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- Tasks: Support children with complex disabilities in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Hollybank Trust is a charity dedicated to high service standards for individuals with disabilities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, full-time hours, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for helping others.
- Other info: We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to equality and inclusion.
Salary: £11.52 - £11.62/hr dependant on experience and qualifications
School times: 8:30am - 4pm, Monday to Friday only
Hours: Full-time (35hrs over 5 days)
Hollybank Trust, based in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, is a charity founded in 1954. We have a number of adult and children’s residential homes, including an outstanding school, nursery, on-site speech therapy, physiotherapy, and hydro-therapy services. We have achieved a reputation for attaining very high service standards, working with children, young people, and adults who have complex and multiple physical disabilities and associated communication, sensory, and learning disabilities.
Following the expansion of our children’s services, we currently have vacancies for Special Support Assistants to work alongside our dedicated and well-established school team. This role will be varied and busy, as no two days are ever the same at Hollybank, so a level of flexibility and adaptability is key to success in this position.
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer sponsorship to work in the UK.
Hollybank Trust is committed to safeguarding vulnerable people, and our Safer Recruitment process requires all employees to have an Enhanced DBS check and reference checks in line with our Recruitment policy. We will ask you to pay for your initial DBS check unless you have a portable DBS, and the cost of this will be reimbursed to you upon successful completion of your probation period.
We want people from underrepresented groups such as Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME), Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans (LGBTQIA+) communities to succeed at Hollybank Trust, and our policies and procedures ensure that this can happen.
Hollybank Trust is a Disability Confident employer. We are actively working to recruit and retain people with disabilities and long-term health conditions into our workforce. If you are an applicant who has a disability, you will be offered an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the job.
Special Support Assistant employer: Hollybank Trust
Contact Detail:
Hollybank Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Hollybank Trust's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to safeguarding and supporting individuals with disabilities will help you align your responses during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your flexibility and adaptability in previous roles. Since the job involves varied tasks, sharing specific examples of how you've successfully managed changing situations can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the work culture at Hollybank Trust and may even offer tips on what the hiring team looks for in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your understanding of complex and multiple disabilities. Being knowledgeable about the challenges faced by the individuals you'll be supporting can demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Special Support Assistant. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children or individuals with disabilities. Use specific examples to demonstrate your adaptability and flexibility in similar roles.
Showcase Your Values: Hollybank Trust values diversity and inclusion. Make sure to express your commitment to these principles in your application. Mention any experiences that reflect your understanding of working with underrepresented groups.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hollybank Trust
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand what a Special Support Assistant does. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with complex disabilities, as this will show your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Show Your Flexibility
Since the role requires adaptability, be prepared to discuss examples from your past experiences where you've had to adjust to changing circumstances. Highlighting your ability to handle varied situations will demonstrate that you're a great fit for the dynamic environment at Hollybank Trust.
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork Skills
Working alongside a dedicated school team is crucial in this role. Be ready to share instances where you've successfully collaborated with others, especially in challenging situations. This will illustrate your ability to work well within a team setting.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
Given the nature of the work, expect questions related to safeguarding and how you would ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. Familiarise yourself with safeguarding principles and be ready to discuss how you would apply them in practice.
