At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead support for students in independence training and manage daytime activities.
- Company: City of Bristol College, a dynamic and inclusive educational institution.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous leave, pension scheme, and wellness support.
- Other info: Join a diverse community committed to inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential support and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
Salary: Term Time Only (38 Weeks) Additional 8.5 hours (paid sleep ins) every 2 weeks at the real living wage £13.45 per hour.
At City of Bristol College, we deliver transformative education in inclusive and dynamic learning environments. One of our key strategic aims is our unrelenting focus on our people-first culture, ensuring you feel valued, empowered, and recognised for your individual contributions and expertise.
We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and proactive Independent Living Support Lead to join our college community.
What we offer:
- Two-week paid Christmas close down and additional paid time off over Easter plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time roles).
- Membership to the Local Government Pension Scheme / Teachers Pension Scheme.
- Paid Volunteering leave (3 days a year).
- Family friendly policies including paid fertility and foster friendly policy.
- A menopause policy outlining support available.
- A person-centred annual appraisal focusing on your wellbeing and CPD.
- Access to a benefits portal including shopping discounts and cycle to work scheme.
- The 'Right to Disconnect' from work outside of your normal working hours.
- A supportive, highly utilised hybrid and flexible working policy.
- An Aspiring Leaders programme open to all plus our Management Academy for all management roles.
- Welfare Rooms at all our sites for professional breakout and relaxation spaces.
- A bespoke programme of recognition, reward and celebration for colleagues throughout the year.
We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply to join us.
About your role:
Our Independence Training Facilities train students with learning difficulties and disabilities who are attending College study programmes to live independent lives. You will be bringing your residential experience to this role, working closely with the College's teaching and Additional Learning Support teams.
As an Independent Living Support Lead, you will lead support for both students who live at our independence training facilities and students who are accessing them via their college study programme. You will ensure a consistent outstanding service is delivered across the training facilities by working collaboratively with all aspects of the independence training team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the management team to oversee and develop the centre.
- Plan and run a daytime activities program.
- Lead a team of staff to ensure students are actively engaging with their independence living skills.
- Be the most senior person on duty in the absence of the management team.
- Carry out sleep-ins (22:00 – 06:30) which are paid in addition to your salary at the Real Living Wage.
About us: We have four main sites across the city with state-of-the-art facilities. At City of Bristol College, we have one goal: to help our students succeed. We offer the widest range of academic and vocational qualifications in the area, with more than 1,000 courses available from entry to degree level.
City of Bristol College is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All new employees to the College are required to complete and obtain an enhanced DBS disclosure.
Closing date: 22 November 2026
Interview date: 30 November 2026
Independent Living Support Lead in Bristol employer: City of Bristol College
Bristol SU is an exceptional employer that champions equity, justice, and liberation, making it a vibrant place for passionate individuals to support student-led campaigns for social change. With a commitment to professional development, flexible working hours, and a generous benefits package, including enhanced parental leave and a robust pension scheme, employees thrive in a supportive and inclusive culture. Recognised for its dedication to diversity and employee satisfaction, Bristol SU fosters an environment where every voice is valued, ensuring that staff can make a meaningful impact in the lives of students from all backgrounds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Living Support Lead in Bristol
✨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 City of Bristol College.
✨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 City of Bristol College!
✨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 City of Bristol College, 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 City of Bristol College 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 Independent Living Support Lead in Bristol
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 City of Bristol College:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to City of Bristol College! 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 City of Bristol College
✨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.
