At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young adults with disabilities in their educational and personal development.
- Company: Join the award-winning National Star College in Hereford.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, excellent training, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Term-time role with a supportive team and a vibrant work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with disabilities is a plus, but not essential; enthusiasm is key!
The predicted salary is between 22948 - 23034 £ per year.
Are you looking for a rewarding, term-time only role supporting young people with disabilities to make the most of their time at college? Join award-winning National Star College in Hereford as a care and education support worker.
The young adults aged 16-25 years that learn with us as day students have big personalities and even bigger ambitions to make the most of their education so that they can live as independently as possible.
Our committed staff team put students first in everything that they do, being proactive, dynamic and collaborative for the benefit of the learners, whatever their ability.
As a care and education support worker you will provide personal care and support their therapeutic, social and educational activities. This may involve supporting students in the classroom, on trips into Hereford or in life skills sessions in our large, airy kitchen and outdoor learning spaces.
Enthusiasm, professionalism and a strong work ethic is essential, as well as being able to demonstrate a positive attitude towards the aspirations of young people with disabilities. You will be a self-starter who can use your own initiative, be able to manage change and show resilience when things don’t go to plan.
Experience of working with people with learning and/or physical disabilities and a Level 2 qualification in care or learning support is desirable but not essential if you have other care or teaching assistant experience.
We expect very high standards to ensure that we are providing the best support to our students. In return we offer excellent training and development opportunities and support for you to develop your long-term career with us.
You will need to be available between 8.00am – 4:00 pm (5pm on Thursdays for team meeting) Monday to Friday, for 39 weeks, term-time.
With a pay rate of £12.80 per hour rising to £12.84 after successful completion of your probation your annual salary will equate to approximately £22,948 rising to £23,034 after probation.
Please note that we are not able to consider sponsorship or applicants holding temporary student/graduate visa for this role.
Contract Type: Permanent | Contract: 41 hours per week, 39 weeks per year | Salary: £12.80 per hour | Location Status: On site (Hereford) | Interview Date: Interviews will be held during the course of the advertisement so please apply early | Closing Date: 12/04/2026
Care and Education Support Worker in Hereford employer: National Star
At National Star, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of young people with disabilities. Our supportive and collaborative work culture fosters professional growth, offering flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career progression. Located in Hereford, with travel across our sites, this role allows you to engage meaningfully with students and their families, ensuring every day is rewarding and varied.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care and Education Support Worker in Hereford
✨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 National Star.
✨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 National Star!
✨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 National Star, 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 National Star 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 Care and Education Support Worker in Hereford
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 National Star:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to National Star! 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 National Star
✨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.
