At a Glance
- Tasks: Support an autistic adult in daily farm activities, fostering skills and independence.
- Company: Join Pennyhooks Farm Trust, a small charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days annual leave, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for personal growth in a unique environment.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact every day while working outdoors on a vibrant organic farm.
- Qualifications: Experience with autistic individuals and a passion for hands-on support.
The predicted salary is between 26390 - 26390 £ per year.
Pennyhooks Farm Trust is looking for a dedicated Support Worker / SEN Teaching Assistant to provide one‑to‑one support to an autistic adult as they take part in the daily working life of our organic farm. This is an opportunity to join a small, supportive charity where your work will make a clear and positive difference every day.
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
About Us
Pennyhooks Farm Trust is a small educational charity based on a working organic farm. We provide structured, long‑term work‑based opportunities for autistic adults with complex needs. Our farm includes a herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle, as well as donkeys, goats, hens, gardens and workshops, all providing a rich, purposeful environment for learning and development. Many of our students are non‑speaking and may be especially sensitive to noise, light and social expectations. To support students effectively we use an approach which attends to these differences and we call this ‘The Pennyhooks Approach’. Using this approach we provide specialised, step‑by‑step, work‑based training with 1:1 support from experienced staff.
Additional Information
- 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
Safeguarding and Inclusion
Pennyhooks Farm Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check, provide satisfactory references, and evidence their right to work in the UK. We aim to ensure our recruitment process is accessible. Please let us know if you require any adjustments.
Support Worker / SEN Teaching Assistant in Shrivenham employer: Pennyhooks Farm Trust
Pennyhooks Farm Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of autistic adults through hands-on support and tailored learning experiences on our organic farm. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer a collaborative work culture, generous annual leave, and opportunities for personal growth in a unique rural setting that fosters both professional development and a sense of community. Join us to be part of a small, passionate team where your contributions truly matter every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker / SEN Teaching Assistant in Shrivenham
✨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 Pennyhooks Farm Trust.
✨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 Pennyhooks Farm Trust!
✨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 Pennyhooks Farm Trust, 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 Pennyhooks Farm Trust 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 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 Pennyhooks Farm Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Pennyhooks Farm Trust! 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 Pennyhooks Farm Trust
✨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.
