At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs to learn and thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Hollybank Trust, a caring and dedicated specialist education team.
- Benefits: Make a real difference while building a rewarding career.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Empower young people and help them achieve their full potential every day.
- Qualifications: Good literacy, numeracy skills, and a passion for supporting children.
The predicted salary is between 20250 - 24750 £ per year.
Help children and young people learn, grow and thrive. As a Special Support Assistant, you’ll be much more than a classroom support worker. You’ll play a vital role in helping children and young people develop confidence, communication skills, independence, and a love of learning in a safe and nurturing environment. At Hollybank Trust, we’re looking for caring, enthusiastic, and dedicated Special Support Assistants to join our specialist education team, supporting children and young people with complex disabilities and additional needs to achieve their full potential.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Supporting children and young people throughout the school day
- Encouraging communication, confidence and independence
- Assisting with learning activities on a one-to-one basis and in small groups
- Working closely with Teachers and multidisciplinary professionals
- Supporting educational visits and enrichment activities
- Helping to create a safe, engaging and inclusive learning environment
- Promoting wellbeing, dignity and positive self-esteem
- Supporting personal care and following individual care plans where required
- Recording progress and celebrating achievements every step of the way
We recruit based on values, however, if you have the following skills, we would be keen to speak with you:
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- A willingness to undertake training and professional development
- Previous experience of working with children/young people with complex disabilities
- A level 3 qualification in childcare (or a willingness to complete following probation)
- Experience with non-verbal communication
- Previous experience of working with children/young people with physical/learning disabilities in a school environment
Join a supportive team where you’ll have the opportunity to build a rewarding career while making a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people every day. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer sponsorship to work in the UK. Hollybank Trust is committed to Safeguarding vulnerable people, and our Safer Recruitment process requires all employees to have an Enhanced DBS check and reference checks in line with our Recruitment & Selection policy. We will pay for your initial DBS check, unless you have a portable DBS; however, if the candidate leaves voluntarily within the first 12 months, £58.90 will be deducted from your final salary payment.
Special Support Assistant (Hollybank School) employer: Hollybank Trust
Hollybank Trust is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being of both its employees and the vulnerable individuals it serves. With a flexible working environment, opportunities for personal growth, and a strong commitment to community values, you will find meaningful work that makes a real difference. Join us in Lower Hopton, where your contributions are valued and rewarded in a supportive culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Support Assistant (Hollybank School)
✨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 Hollybank Trust.
✨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 Hollybank Trust!
✨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 Hollybank Trust, 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 Hollybank Trust 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 Special Support Assistant (Hollybank School)
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 Hollybank Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hollybank Trust! 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 Hollybank Trust
✨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.
