At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in a caring, home-like environment and promote their independence.
- Company: Holbrook School for Autism, part of Esteem Multi Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, health cashback, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied responsibilities and strong community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and commitment to personal development.
Location: Holbrook School for Autism, Portway, Holbrook, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 0TE
Grade/Scale: Derbyshire Pay Scale - Grade 8 (Points 12-15), Actual Salary £17,268 to £18,413 per annum
Contract: 24 hours per week, includes 1 sleep-in duty (working days to be confirmed), 39 weeks per year, term time only.
We are looking for a caring and committed Residential Care Officer to join our team and support our young people in our residential provision at Holbrook School for Autism. You will play a key role in creating a warm, supportive ‘home from home’ environment where students feel safe, valued and able to thrive. Working closely with the Head of Care and wider team, you will support students in their daily routines, personal care, learning, and leisure activities, both on‑site and within the community.
This is a highly rewarding role, where no two days are the same. You will build strong relationships with students, families and professionals, contribute to care planning and reviews, and promote independence, wellbeing and personal development in line with our Dream, Explore, Grow values. You will also take on Key Worker responsibilities for identified students and take part in sleep‑in duties as part of a rota.
If you are passionate about making a real difference in young people’s lives and enjoy working as part of a supportive and dedicated team, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits Include:
- Teacher's Pension Scheme / LGPS Pension Scheme (16.6% employer contributions)
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Access to Westfield Health membership scheme including cashback schemes for health and retail benefits, discounted gym memberships, and free confidential advice.
- Access to National College CPD platform.
For further information, please contact Esme Kavanagh, Head of Residential Care, Email: ekavanagh@holbrookschoolforautism.co.uk.
We reserve the right to interview suitable candidates upon application and may close the application process prior to this date. Esteem Multi-Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its students. We expect all staff, volunteers and agency staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status. Perfection is not required; if you are excited by the role and our organisation, but not sure if you meet 100% of the criteria, we would still love to hear from you!
Residential Childcare Officer employer: Holbrook School for Autism
Holbrook School for Autism, part of the Esteem Multi Academy Trust, is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, we offer generous benefits such as a comprehensive pension scheme, access to health and retail cashback schemes, and continuous professional development opportunities through the National College CPD platform. Join our passionate team in Derbyshire, where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people while enjoying a supportive work culture that values personal growth and collaboration.
Contact Details:
Holbrook School for Autism Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Childcare Officer
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Holbrook School for Autism, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Holbrook School for Autism. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Holbrook School for Autism's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Childcare Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Holbrook School for Autism. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Holbrook School for Autism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Holbrook School for Autism
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Holbrook School for Autism.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Residential Childcare Officer at Holbrook School for Autism.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Holbrook School for Autism that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Residential Childcare Officer role.
