At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' wellbeing and personal development in a vibrant residential environment.
- Company: Join Hadlow College, rated outstanding by Ofsted, with a dedicated team.
- 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.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in social care or related field; strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns available; dynamic role with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 22600 - 33000 £ 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 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.
Whilst we are advertising this post on a full-time basis, we would be happy to receive applications from candidates seeking a part-time (and/or term time) working pattern.
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 Benefits:
In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect the following 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 28 September 2025, with interview scheduled to take place in two stages, initial site visit with formal-based interview on 07 October 2025.
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Residential Support Officer - Full-time employer: Sandwich Infant
Contact Detail:
Sandwich Infant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Support Officer - Full-time
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Hadlow College on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to student welfare and safeguarding. We should also think of examples from our past experiences that highlight our skills in supporting young people and creating safe environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Show our passion! During the interview, let’s share why we care about student wellbeing and how we can contribute to their personal development. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our application to match the specific needs of the Residential Support Officer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Support Officer - Full-time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for supporting young people! In your application, share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in similar roles. This will help us understand why you're the perfect fit for our team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and qualifications that match the job description. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your strengths!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you want to work at Hadlow College and how you can contribute to our outstanding residential team. Keep it personal and engaging!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the latest info about the role. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwich Infant
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Residential Support Officer inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around student welfare and safeguarding. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for supporting young people shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to student wellbeing and engagement. This will help the interviewers see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you truly care about making a difference.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you'd handle specific situations with students. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported someone or resolved a conflict. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to connect with students.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of enrichment programmes they offer, or how they measure student engagement. This shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role and the college environment.