At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 1:1 support to children with additional needs and challenging behaviour.
- Company: Specialist school in Kidderminster focused on supporting vulnerable children.
- Benefits: Fixed hours, competitive salary, and a temp to perm opportunity.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and gain valuable experience in a rewarding environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health, care, or education; driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 28568 - 34916 £ per year.
Personal Care | Autism | Mental Health | Behaviour Support
FULL TIME - TERM TIME ONLY
Monday to Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm (hours are fixed and cannot be negotiated)
NMW / Level 2 Teaching Assistant salary
Temp to Perm opportunity
Must drive and have access to your own vehicle
DBS on the Update Service required, or must be willing to apply for a new DBS.
We are currently recruiting experienced Support Workers to work within a specialist school in Kidderminster. The role involves providing 1:1 support to children and young people with a range of additional needs and complex circumstances, including extremely challenging behaviour, Autism, ADHD, aggression, SEMH, PMLD, attachment difficulties and Looked After Children. Some pupils may also have experienced CSE/CSA or be at risk of harm to themselves or others.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in:
- Mental health, care and support work.
- Residential and children's services.
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Teaching Assistants.
- Security and behaviour management.
- Youth work and sports coaching.
- Psychology and Criminology graduates.
- Individuals with personal or professional experience supporting vulnerable children and adults.
About the Role
- Providing 1:1 behaviour support to pupils with challenging behaviour and SEN requirements.
- Implementing appropriate structures, boundaries and strategies to support behaviour.
- Acting as a positive role model and providing nurture and emotional support.
- Delivering additional numeracy and literacy support outside the classroom.
- Supporting and de-escalating heightened or volatile situations.
- Working across both Primary and Secondary school settings.
- Promoting positive relationships, engagement and inclusion.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for confident, patient and resilient individuals who have experience supporting challenging behaviour, Autism, ADHD, mental health or SEMH. Candidates must be able to remain calm under pressure, build positive relationships and adapt their approach to meet individual needs.
Please note: A full driving licence and access to your own car are essential for this position.
Support Worker SEN employer: GSL Education
GSL Education is an exceptional employer for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young learners. With a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive work culture, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, competitive pay that reflects their impact, and ongoing professional development opportunities. Located in Newcastle, staff are supported by dedicated consultants, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive in various educational settings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker SEN
✨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 GSL Education.
✨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 GSL Education!
✨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 GSL Education, 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 GSL Education 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 Support Worker SEN
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 GSL Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to GSL Education! 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 GSL Education
✨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.
