At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at a specialist education setting in Tunbridge Wells.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, excellent training, and term-time hours.
- Other info: Great opportunity for Psychology or Health Social Care graduates.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing essential skills.
- Qualifications: Caring attitude; experience in care or education is a plus but not required.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
Location: Tunbridge Wells
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 3:30pm
Pay: £92.56 per day
Long-Term Position with Permanent Opportunity
At Academics we are looking for nurturing, experienced and reliable Care Assistants to join a specialist school provision in Tunbridge Wells with pupils aged 4-19. This is a fantastic opportunity to support children and young people with additional learning needs such as autism, physical disabilities and complex needs helping them to develop independence, confidence and essential life skills within a nurturing and supportive environment.
The Role:
- Providing 1:1 and small group support to students throughout the school day
- Assisting with personal care (e.g. toileting) where required
- Supporting students with learning, communication and social development
- Encouraging independence and positive engagement
- Working closely with teachers, therapists and support staff
- Helping to create a safe, inclusive and positive learning environment
What We're Looking For:
- A caring, patient and proactive attitude
- Experience in care, support work, education or SEN environments is desirable but not essential
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- A genuine passion for supporting young people with additional needs
- Reliability and commitment to a long-term role
Start date ASAP. Excellent on-site training, support and CPD is provided to ensure safeguarding of all students. PAYE, term time only.
If you have a Psychology / Criminology / Health Social Care degree, it's an excellent use of your degree.
You MUST have right to work in the UK in order to apply - no Visa sponsorship.
Academics are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, therefore all applicants will be subject to a full face-to-face registration and an Enhanced DBS (Formerly known as CRB).
Care assistant employer: Academics
At Academics, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive work environment for Care Assistants in Tunbridge Wells. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in the excellent on-site training and continuous professional development opportunities we provide, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with additional needs. Join us in fostering independence and confidence in our students while enjoying a rewarding career with a dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care assistant
✨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.
✨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!
✨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, 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 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 Care assistant
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:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Academics! 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
✨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.
