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- Tasks: Support students' wellbeing and personal development in a vibrant residential environment.
- Company: Join Hadlow College, rated outstanding by Ofsted, with a focus on student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, onsite accommodation, and access to great facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience in education.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in social care or related field; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns available; be part of a supportive team dedicated to student welfare.
The predicted salary is between 24100 - 31500 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has become available at Hadlow College for a Residential Support Officer to join our dedicated residential team who were rated outstanding by Ofsted in June 2024. You’ll play a key role in supporting the wellbeing and personal development of students living on campus, many of whom are experiencing independent living for the first time.
Working as part of a supportive team, you’ll help deliver high-quality pastoral care and encourage student engagement in both academic life and a wide range of personal and social development opportunities. This includes involvement in Learner Voice initiatives, the Student Union, and Health & Wellbeing activities.
This position follows a rota-based schedule during term time, with shifts ranging between 8am and 1am. You will also be part of an emergency ‘on-call’ rota, typically covering one shift per week.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure the safety, wellbeing, and positive engagement of residential students.
- Support students in adjusting to independent living and participating in college life.
- Help plan, coordinate, and deliver a varied enrichment programme tailored to students’ needs.
- Promote a safe and inclusive environment, upholding behaviour standards and safety procedures.
What We’re Looking For:
- A strong understanding of student welfare and safeguarding, with knowledge of relevant legislation and residential provision standards (training will be provided).
- Minimum Level 3 qualification in a related field such as social care, youth work, mentoring, or informal education.
- At least Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths.
- Excellent communication, organisation, and IT skills.
- A genuine ability to connect with students and collaborate effectively with staff and external partners.
- Experience in education or residential settings, and awareness of challenges affecting student engagement, is desirable.
If you\’re passionate about supporting young people and creating a safe, enriching living environment, we’d love to hear from you!
The Role:
Where you’ll work: This role is based at our Hadlow College campus.
Your hours: 37 hours available per week, 52 weeks per annum – To be worked on a shift rota basis, which covers from 5.30pm on Sundays to 7pm on Fridays.
Vacancies: We currently have three positions available
Whilst we are advertising this post on a full-time basis, we welcome applications from candidates interested in part-time (and/or term-time) working patterns.
Your pay: £28,130 per annum full time equivalent.
Accommodation: If you are applying for a full-time role, we have the opportunity to offer onsite accommodation, should you wish to explore this.
The College:
North Kent College (including Hadlow College) is proudly rated as an Ofsted ‘Good’ provider, with ‘Outstanding’ learner behaviours and attitudes (April 2024). With four campuses across Kent and 4,000 students, we strive to equip the young people who study here with an inclusive and innovative education experience to enhance their future career prospects, which, as noted by Ofsted, is supported through our high-quality, industry standard facilities. Each and every staff member plays a key part in delivering the success of our learners’ experience, and we want those who join our curriculum and support teams to share our passion in achieving this.
The Benefits:
- 33 days’ annual leave (including Christmas / New Year break), plus bank holidays.
- Enrolment onto the People’s Pension Scheme (as part of the staff of North Kent College Business Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of North Kent College).
- Access to free parking and a number of onsite facilities, including gyms, restaurants and coffee shops.
How to Apply:
If this sounds like the next role for you, please visit the North Kent College staff vacancies page to see the full job description and apply.
Please note that the closing date for applications is Sunday, 02 November 2025, with interview scheduled to take place in two stages, initial site visit with formal-based interview on Friday, 07 November 2025
North Kent College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and all staff have a responsibility to share and maintain this commitment. In line with the requirements of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, appropriate safeguarding checks (including an enhanced DBS check) will be undertaken on all individuals selected for appointment. Posts at the College, a specified establishment where the work gives opportunity for contact with children, are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. It is an offence to apply for a post which involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to children if you are barred from doing so. Please be advised that, again in line with ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, shortlisted candidates (who wish to accept an invite to interview) will be required to complete and submit prior to their interview a self-declaration of their criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children. Further guidance / information from the Ministry of Justice can be found on GOV.UK.
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Residential Support Officer employer: North Kent College
Contact Detail:
North Kent College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college and its values! Research Hadlow College, its mission, and the residential team. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips about the role and the college culture, which can give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about scenarios you might face as a Residential Support Officer and how you'd handle them. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Hadlow College. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating a safe and enriching environment for students!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for candidates who understand student welfare and can connect with our students, so don’t hold back on sharing your background in social care or education.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to read and understand. This will help us see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through the North Kent College staff vacancies page! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you in the running for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Kent College
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Residential Support Officer. Understand the importance of student welfare and safeguarding, and be ready to discuss relevant legislation and how it applies to the role.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your genuine interest in supporting young people. Share personal experiences or examples where you've positively impacted someone's life, especially in educational or residential settings.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since this role involves working as part of a supportive team, be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others. Highlight any past experiences where teamwork led to successful outcomes, particularly in a pastoral care context.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think of scenarios related to student engagement and wellbeing, and how you would approach them effectively.