College Residential Support Worker in Exeter

College Residential Support Worker in Exeter

Exeter Full-Time 24300 - 26493 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
InFocus Charity do

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support young people in a residential setting, helping them make decisions and develop independence.
  • Company: InFocus is dedicated to empowering young individuals through tailored support and personal development.
  • Benefits: Enjoy six weeks annual leave, paid medical appointments, and access to discounted shopping.
  • Other info: Flexible working patterns available; part-time and full-time options to suit your schedule.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience and skills.
  • Qualifications: Looking for compassionate individuals with transferable skills from care, education, or customer service.

The predicted salary is between 24300 - 26493 £ per year.

Salary: £25,100-£26,276.87 (pro rata for part time)
Hours: Full time and part time options available, 38 weeks per year
Location: Exeter
Closing Date: 16/07/2026

Start Date: September 2026

About the role

We are recruiting Support Workers to enable and empower our young people, working in partnership with their families and colleagues. In this role, you will support young people to make their own decisions and reach their full potential within a high-quality residential setting.

You will provide personalised support, responding to each individual’s needs, wishes, and aspirations. This includes supporting the delivery of high-quality care, health, and therapy, as well as helping young people develop independence and daily living skills as part of their evening routines.

All of our young people have a visual impairment alongside a range of complex needs (physical and/or emotional), meaning every day is varied and rewarding. Some individuals prefer structured routines, while others enjoy making their own plans, often a mixture of both, so you’ll need to be flexible, responsive, and able to use your initiative.

We follow an Active Support approach, doing things with people, not for them. Using a person-centred approach, you will support young people with all aspects of daily life, including developing independence skills, accessing the community, planning activities, and providing personal care in a respectful and dignified way.

We will support you every step of the way with a well-designed induction programme and comprehensive training, ensuring you feel confident in your role. We also offer ongoing opportunities for professional development

About you

We are looking for kind, friendly, and compassionate individuals who are motivated to make a positive difference in the lives of young people.

You will bring experience of supporting others, whether in care, education, or another people-focused role, and have a positive, “can-do” attitude towards helping individuals achieve their potential.

You will be confident providing one-to-one support, including delivering personal care to young people of all genders, always maintaining dignity and respect.

Your skills in communication, problem-solving, empathy, and adaptability will be key in providing tailored support. You will be able to build trusting relationships, respond to a range of needs, and promote independence in a supportive and encouraging way.

Working pattern

We are currently recruiting for the following working patterns:

  • Full Time – 32.5 hours per week, 38 weeks per year
    Monday to Friday, 15:30–22:30
  • Part Time – 26 hours per week, 38 weeks per year
    Monday to Thursday, 15:30–22:30

How we say “thank you”

  • Six weeks annual leave plus eight bank holidays (pro rata for part time hours)
  • Occupational sick pay scheme from day one
  • Paid medical appointments
  • Comprehensive training and development
  • Enhanced paternity leave
  • Enhanced maternity pay
  • Access to discounted shopping
  • On-site free parking
  • 24-hour employee assistance programme
  • “Death in service” life assurance and group accident cover
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Contributory pension scheme for eligible staff

Equality, diversity and safeguarding

We are a disability friendly employer and actively encourage candidates with a disability to apply. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are conditional to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS), satisfactory medical check, references and evidence of the right to work in the UK.

Staff have a responsibility to inform InFocus of any conviction or prosecution that occurs whilst employed.

It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and adults at risk.

Please note this role does not meet the requirements for sponsorship

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College Residential Support Worker in Exeter employer: InFocus Charity do

InFocus Charity is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with visual impairments. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering flexible hours and comprehensive training to ensure you thrive in your role. Join us in Exeter, where you can contribute to empowering individuals while enjoying a rewarding career that values dignity and independence.

InFocus Charity do

Contact Details:

InFocus Charity do Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land College Residential Support Worker in Exeter

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and aspirations of young people in residential care. Understanding their challenges and how to support their independence will help you stand out during interviews.

Tip Number 2

Highlight your transferable skills from previous roles, especially those involving communication and empathy. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully supported others in achieving their goals.

Tip Number 3

Research InFocus and its values thoroughly. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can demonstrate your commitment to the role and the organisation.

Tip Number 4

Prepare for the initial conversation by thinking about questions you might have regarding the role and the team. This shows your enthusiasm and willingness to engage with the position actively.

We think you need these skills to ace College Residential Support Worker in Exeter

Empathy
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Interpersonal Skills
Teamwork
Time Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a College Residential Support Worker. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.

Craft a Strong Supporting Statement:When writing your supporting statement, refer directly to the job description and person specification. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your transferable skills, such as communication and empathy, which are crucial for this role.

Update Your CV:Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience in care, education, or any people-focused roles. Highlight any specific achievements or training that relate to supporting young people and promoting their independence.

Follow Application Instructions:Make sure to include both your supporting statement and an updated CV when submitting your application. Confirm which rota pattern you are applying for, as specified in the job advert, to ensure your application is considered.

How to prepare for a job interview at InFocus Charity do

Show Your Empathy

As a College Residential Support Worker, empathy is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've supported individuals in the past, demonstrating your understanding of their needs and aspirations.

Highlight Transferable Skills

Discuss your previous roles in care, education, or customer service. Emphasise how skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability can help you provide tailored support to young people.

Demonstrate a Can-Do Attitude

The role requires a positive mindset. Be ready to talk about challenges you've faced and how your proactive approach helped overcome them, showcasing your commitment to helping others achieve their potential.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-life situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to make decisions or adapt to changing circumstances, and be ready to explain your thought process.