At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with emotional and social development in a caring environment.
- Company: A warm specialist school dedicated to helping young people thrive.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, meaningful work, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy a fulfilling career path.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting children and understanding emotional wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Looking for a role where every day truly matters? Join this amazing specialist school in Reading, who support primary and secondary aged students with emotional regulation, social, and mental health needs and help them feel safe, understood, and ready to learn.
About Us
This school is a warm, welcoming space designed for young people who may find mainstream education overwhelming. Many of the students experience challenges with emotional regulation, social interaction, and mental health but here, they're met with patience, understanding, and genuine care. They believe every child deserves to feel heard, valued, and capable of success and that's where you come in.
Your Role
As an Emotional Support Worker, you'll be a trusted adult, a calm presence, and a positive role model. You'll work closely with students who may feel anxious, frustrated, or disconnected, helping them build confidence, manage emotions, and develop meaningful relationships.
- Supporting students 1:1 and in small groups with their emotional and social development
- Helping young people understand and manage their feelings in a safe, supportive way
- Building strong, trusting relationships that help students feel secure
- Supporting students through challenging moments with patience and care
- Encouraging positive behaviour and celebrating small wins every day
- Helping students develop social skills, confidence, and resilience
- Working closely with teachers, families, and therapists to provide joined-up support
What We're Looking For
- Calm, patient, and understanding
- Passionate about supporting children with additional needs
- Able to stay positive and consistent
- Interested in emotional wellbeing, mental health, or education
- Experienced in working with children or young people (this is a bonus, not a must!)
Key Details
- Location: Reading
- Pay: £85-£110 per day (depending on experience)
- Start Date: ASAP
- Hours: Full-time, long-term
- Setting: Specialist school (Primary & Secondary) supporting SEMH and complex needs
Why Join Us?
This isn't just a job-it's a chance to change lives (including your own). Whether you're considering a career in education, psychology, or youth work, or simply want to make a difference, this role offers purpose, growth, and real connection. Every small breakthrough is a big win here.
Ready to make an impact? Apply now to become an Emotional Support Worker in Maidenhead and be part of something truly meaningful. Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy.
Emotional Support Worker - Reading employer: Academics Careers
This lovely school in Dartford is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration among staff. With a strong commitment to professional development, the school provides ample opportunities for growth and leadership within the drama department, making it an ideal environment for passionate educators eager to inspire the next generation of performers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Emotional Support Worker - Reading
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Academics Careers.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Academics Careers!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Academics Careers, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Academics Careers or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Emotional Support Worker - Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Academics Careers:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Academics Careers! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics Careers
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
