At a Glance
- Tasks: Support an autistic adult in engaging with farm activities like animal care and gardening.
- Company: Pennyhooks Farm Trust, dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days annual leave, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Own transport required; great opportunity for personal growth and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while enjoying hands-on outdoor work in a beautiful rural setting.
- Qualifications: Experience with autistic individuals and a positive, patient attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 26390 - 26390 £ per year.
PENNYHOOKS FARM TRUST is seeking a Support Worker / SEN Teaching Assistant for the Oxfordshire/Swindon border.
Salary: £26,390 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Annual leave: 28 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
Pension: Auto-enrolment pension scheme
DBS: Enhanced DBS required
About the role:
You will support an autistic adult to engage fully in structured, work-based activities on the farm, helping them to build skills, confidence and independence. Activities include animal care, gardening, conservation work, rural crafts, woodwork and baking. You will play an important role in enabling participation, supporting wellbeing, and helping the individuals progress in a way that is tailored to their needs. This is a physically active, hands-on role. It involves outdoor work throughout the year in all weather conditions, so applicants should be comfortable with the practical demands of farm life. You will also be responsible for recording progress and responding flexibly to the individual’s needs throughout the day.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide one-to-one support across all farm-based activities
- Enable participation in practical tasks such as animal care, horticulture and workshop activities
- Support the individual’s safety, wellbeing and personal care where needed
- Maintain accurate records of progress for accreditation purposes
- Adapt support approaches in response to changing needs
- Work closely with colleagues as part of a small, collaborative team
About you:
Essential:
- Experience supporting autistic people or individuals with complex needs
- A calm, patient and positive approach
- A genuine commitment to person-centred support
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Flexibility and willingness to learn
- A practical approach and willingness to take part in physically active outdoor work
- Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check
Desirable:
- SEN or teaching assistant experience
- An interest in farming, animals or outdoor work
This is a fully on-site role in a rural location, so own transport will be required. Annual leave entitlement is 28 days inclusive of bank holidays. Four weeks of annual leave must be taken at set times when the farm is closed, usually at the end of each term.
Support Worker / SEN Teaching Assistant in Shrivenham employer: jobs24.co.uk
Pennyhooks Farm Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with autism. Located on the picturesque Oxfordshire/Swindon border, we offer a supportive and collaborative work culture where employees can thrive through hands-on experiences in a unique rural setting. With generous annual leave, a commitment to personal development, and the opportunity to engage in fulfilling outdoor activities, we empower our staff to grow while making a difference every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker / SEN Teaching Assistant in Shrivenham
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✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker / SEN Teaching Assistant in Shrivenham
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 jobs24.co.uk:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to jobs24.co.uk! 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 jobs24.co.uk
✨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.
