Residential Worker - Oak Lodge School - Greater London

Residential Worker - Oak Lodge School - Greater London

London Full-Time 35373 - 35373 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support students with diverse needs in a nurturing residential environment.
  • Company: Join Oak Lodge School, a supportive and inclusive community.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, work-life balance, and mental health support.
  • Other info: Dynamic team with extensive professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience with communication challenges and a passion for empowering youth.

The predicted salary is between 35373 - 35373 £ per year.

Salary: Actual salary: Grade B SPC 9-14 is £25,923.40 - £27,866.06 (39 Weeks) - Full time equivalent: Grade B SPC 9-14 is £32,907 - £35,373 per annum.

Job Introduction:

  • Term time only: 39 weeks per year
  • Hours: 32 hours per week + Sleep-in duties (paid extra)
  • OFSTED rating: GOOD
  • To start: ASAP

Phoenix House is looking for a Female Residential Worker to provide support for students, mainly on our all-girls floor, with a wide range of needs and communication methods. The students reside in Phoenix House for 1-4 nights a week and staff are required to undertake sleep-in duties to facilitate this. Sleep-in duties are paid as extra.

Staff must be able to work shift hours, on rota, as required, usually between the hours of 7am-8.30am and 3pm-11pm plus sleep-in duties. A 30-minute unpaid break is given each day.

We are looking for a Female Residential Worker who has excellent communication skills, with a good knowledge of D/deafness, communication difficulties, positive behaviour management and additional health and educational needs. Experience of personal care support is preferable.

What we offer:

  • Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
  • Generous pension plan: Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
  • Work-life balance: Term-time only, predominantly day shifts with occasional evenings or sleep-in duties to ensure the smooth running of the service
  • Health & Well-being: Access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for mental health, financial, and legal support
  • Professional development: Extensive CPD opportunities and training packages

About You:

  • Experience working with pupils who have hearing, speech, and communication challenges (see Person Specification for details)
  • A deep understanding of safeguarding practices
  • A passion for empowering young people to become confident, independent, and responsible citizens
  • High standards of personal conduct, credibility, honesty and integrity that inspires loyalty and trust

Why Work with Us?

At Oak Lodge, we believe in developing an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment. By joining us, you'll be part of a team that is truly committed to making a difference in our students' lives. You'll also have the chance to work alongside a highly experienced staff in a dynamic and fulfilling setting.

Ready to Join?

We'd love to show you around! To arrange a visit and meet some of our staff and students, please contact our Headteacher, Caroline Rowlandson.

Completed applications should be e-mailed to [email]. Closing date for applications: Tuesday 1st September 2026. We reserve the right to close the applications earlier if we receive a desired candidate. Interviews: Week commencing 7th September 2026.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. CVs are not accepted.

Oak Lodge School, 101 Nightingale Lane, London SW12 8NA.

Residential Worker - Oak Lodge School - Greater London employer: London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With generous benefits such as 40 days of annual leave and opportunities for professional growth, this role as a Business Rates Inspector allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life dynamic.

London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames

Contact Details:

London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Residential Worker - Oak Lodge School - Greater London

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 London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames.

Attend Social Work Events and Workshops

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We think you need these skills to ace Residential Worker - Oak Lodge School - Greater London

Excellent Communication Skills
Knowledge of D/deafness
Understanding of Communication Difficulties
Positive Behaviour Management
Experience in Personal Care Support
Understanding of Safeguarding Practices
Empowerment of Young People

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 London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames! 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 London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames

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.