At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic children with daily activities and promote their independence and wellbeing.
- Company: Join a new autism-specialist children's residential home in Mansfield.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, sleep-in payments, ongoing training, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts in a supportive team environment with a focus on personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic children and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in relevant fields or willingness to complete it within two years.
Join Our New Autism-Specialist Children's Residential Home in Mansfield. Make a Difference to the Lives of Autistic Children and Young People. We are excited to be opening a new 3-bed autism-specialist Children's Residential Home in Mansfield, providing high-quality care and support for autistic children and young people aged 4-18 years. We are seeking caring, enthusiastic, and dedicated individuals to join our team as Senior Residential Support Workers, Residential Support Workers, and Waking Night Support Workers. This is a unique opportunity to help create a nurturing home environment where autistic children can feel safe, understood, respected, and supported to thrive.
Our Ethos
- A safe, caring, and stable home.
- To be understood as an individual.
- Consistent, nurturing relationships with trusted adults.
- Opportunities to develop independence, confidence, and life skills.
- Respect for their communication style, sensory needs, and preferences.
- The chance to achieve their full potential in their own way and at their own pace.
Our practice is built upon compassion, respect, inclusion, and a commitment to understanding autism through a strengths-based and person-centred approach.
Our Aims
- Feel safe, valued, and listened to.
- Develop positive relationships and social skills.
- Build emotional resilience and self-confidence.
- Access education and community opportunities.
- Learn practical life skills and increase independence.
- Understand and regulate emotions with appropriate support.
- Enjoy meaningful experiences and positive childhood memories.
- Achieve outcomes that reflect their individual aspirations and abilities.
Statement of Purpose
Our home provides care and accommodation for up to three autistic children and young people aged between 4 and 18 years. The home adopts an autism-informed and child-centred approach, recognising that every child has unique strengths, needs, interests, and communication preferences. Through consistency, structure, positive relationships, and therapeutic support, we aim to provide an environment where children can feel secure, develop confidence, and achieve positive outcomes. Our team works closely with families, education providers, health professionals, and other agencies to ensure children receive holistic support that promotes their emotional wellbeing, personal development, and independence. The home is committed to promoting equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding while ensuring every child is treated with dignity, respect, and understanding.
What the Role Involves
- Support autistic children with daily living activities and personal care where required.
- Develop trusting and positive relationships.
- Promote education, independence, and community engagement.
- Support emotional regulation and wellbeing.
- Implement individual care plans and behaviour support strategies.
- Record and report information accurately.
- Promote the rights, dignity, and individuality of each child.
- Work collaboratively with families and professionals.
- Maintain a safe and nurturing home environment.
Year-Round Service Commitment
As a children's residential home, our service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including weekends, bank holidays, Christmas, New Year, Easter, and all other seasonal periods. The children and young people living in our home rely on consistent care and support throughout the year. Therefore, all staff are expected to contribute fairly to the rota and be available to work across seasonal periods and public holidays as required. We recognise the importance of work-life balance and ensure that weekends, sleep-ins, bank holidays, and seasonal shifts are allocated as fairly as possible across the team through our 4-week rolling rota system.
Shift Patterns and Flexibility
Our home operates a 4-week rolling rota designed to provide consistency for the children we support and predictability for our staff teams.
- Residential Support Workers and Senior Residential Support Workers
- Full-time hours: 35-37 hours per week
- Part-time hours: 15-22.5 hours per week
- A mixture of:
- Early shifts
- Late shifts
- Sleep-in shifts
- Weekend working
- Bank holiday working
- Seasonal holiday working
- Waking Night Support Workers
- 10-hour waking night shifts
- 140 contracted hours per month
- Worked across a 4-week rolling rota
- Includes weekend, bank holiday, and seasonal holiday working where scheduled
Important Information
This is not a fixed-shift role. Successful candidates must be willing and able to work a mixture of shifts as part of a 4-week rolling rota. Flexibility is essential to ensure our autistic children and young people receive consistent, high-quality care all year round. By joining our team, you will play a vital role in providing stability, routine, and meaningful relationships to children who need support every day of the year, regardless of weekends, bank holidays, or seasonal celebrations.
Essential Requirements
- NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare, Health & Social Care, Children and Young People's Workforce, or an equivalent qualification.
- OR A willingness to undertake and complete the Level 3 qualification within the first two years of employment.
- You will also demonstrate:
- A genuine passion for supporting autistic children and young people.
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Commitment to person-centred care.
- Ability to remain resilient and calm in challenging situations.
Safeguarding Statement
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility and is central to everything we do. We are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where autistic children can thrive. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and safer recruitment checks in line with Children's Home Regulations.
Why Join Us?
- Together, we will create a home where autistic children feel safe, understood, empowered, and able to achieve their full potential.
- Competitive salary
- Sleep-in payments
- Comprehensive induction programme
- Ongoing training and development
- Autism-specific training
- Support to achieve the Level 3 Residential Childcare qualification
- Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation
- Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Support.
- Blue Light Card eligibility, providing access to thousands of discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, hospitality, and more
- Refer a Friend Scheme with a financial reward for successfully introducing new colleagues to our team (subject to scheme terms and conditions)
- Pension scheme
- Opportunity to be part of a brand-new autism-specialist children's residential service from day one
Residential Autism Practitioner (Mansfield) employer: Autism East Midlands
Sutherland House School is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of autistic children and young people. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide comprehensive training and a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration among staff, therapists, and families. Located in a nurturing environment, our team enjoys the satisfaction of delivering personalised education while being part of a passionate community dedicated to enhancing the lives of our pupils.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Autism Practitioner (Mansfield)
✨Tap into Local Healthcare Networks
Getting involved with local healthcare communities is a game-changer for nursing roles. Join nursing associations or attend local events and workshops where you can meet fellow professionals and potential employers. It’s all about building those connections – your next full-time gig could be just a chat away!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Real-Life Settings
Consider volunteering at clinics or hospitals if you can squeeze in some time. Not only does this help you gain practical experience, but it also shows your commitment to patient care. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to network and potentially land a full-time role at a facility you enjoy!
✨Use LinkedIn like a Pro
Make your LinkedIn profile pop by highlighting your nursing skills prominently. Share articles, insights, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in patient care. Engaging with content in nursing forums can also put you on the radar of recruiters looking for full-time talent like you!
✨Direct Applications are Key!
When you spot a role that excites you, don't hold back – apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to show off how your specific experiences align with the needs at Autism East Midlands for the Residential Autism Practitioner (Mansfield) role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Autism Practitioner (Mansfield)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with Autism East Midlands, it's crucial to highlight your nursing qualifications. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as your NMC registration and any specialisations. List them front and centre on your CV so we can see your expertise at a glance!
Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your passion for patient care. Talk about your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to teamwork. This gives us insight not just into your skills but also into your caring nature, which is essential in nursing.
Emphasise Soft Skills:In nursing, technical skills are important, but we're also keen on soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are often just as critical in delivering exceptional patient care and will help differentiate you from other candidates.
Tailor Your Experience to Patient Care:When detailing your experience, be specific about your direct patient care roles. Focus on the impact you’ve made on your patients’ lives—mention specific tasks, challenges you've overcame, or improvements you’ve contributed to. This helps us visualise you in action at Autism East Midlands, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Autism East Midlands
✨Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios
In nursing, you might face questions around patient scenarios, so sharpen your clinical judgment skills. Think through common cases—like managing a patient with specific needs or handling emergencies—and be ready to articulate your approach confidently.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, nursing is all about communication and empathy. Prepare to share examples from your experiences that highlight your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team, as this is crucial for a full-time role at Autism East Midlands.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest healthcare regulations and policies relevant to your role. This knowledge not only shows your commitment to patient safety but also signals that you're proactive and engaged—qualities that full-time employers like Autism East Midlands appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how Autism East Midlands supports growth and development. Inquire about ongoing training, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to specialise in particular areas, as this illustrates your long-term interest in nursing.
