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- Tasks: Support autistic young people in developing independence and essential life skills.
- Company: Swalcliffe Park School, an Outstanding-rated specialist residential school.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, sickness entitlement, and free meals on shift.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths, plus experience with children or young people.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for career development and training.
Swalcliffe Park School is an Outstanding-rated specialist residential school, offering a rewarding opportunity to support autistic young people to develop independence, confidence and essential life skills.
SALARY: £32,364 to £36,039 per annum including Sleep In payment (2026 pay award pending) + Benefits
BENEFITS: Generous Holiday (9 weeks’ paid holiday to be taken in school holidays), NEST Pension Scheme, Sickness entitlement 2 weeks full pay 2 weeks half pay and free meal on shift
LOCATION: Swalcliffe, Nr Banbury, Oxfordshire (OX15)
JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Fixed Term Maternity Cover for up to 1 year
WORKING HOURS: Afternoons and evenings, plus every other weekend, including sleep-in duties
JOB OVERVIEW: We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Residential Care Support Worker to join Swalcliffe Park School, an Ofsted-rated Outstanding provider of specialist education and residential care for autistic boys aged 10 to 19 years. As a Residential Care Support Worker you will play a vital role supporting young people to build independence, social communication and self-management skills within a safe, structured and nurturing residential environment.
The Residential Care Support Worker role involves mentoring, safeguarding and key working responsibilities, alongside close collaboration with education and therapy teams to ensure consistency and positive outcomes for every young person.
Swalcliffe Park School provides specialist day and residential education and care for secondary aged autistic boys (10-19 yrs). We offer excellent working conditions in a beautiful environment, including paid school holidays, opportunities for career development and staff training.
DUTIES: Your duties as the Residential Care Support Worker include:
- Providing High Quality Care: Supporting students with daily routines, wellbeing and personal development
- Promoting Independence: Encouraging life skills, communication and social inclusion during residential time
- Key Working Responsibilities: Acting as a key worker for individual students and contributing to care plans
- Safeguarding Practice: Upholding safeguarding, child protection and behaviour management policies
- Recording and Reporting: Maintaining accurate records, writing reports and contributing to reviews
- Behaviour Support: Using de-escalation and positive behaviour strategies in line with school procedures
- Team Collaboration: Working closely with residential, education and therapy colleagues
- Family and Professional Liaison: Supporting effective communication with families and external professionals
- Student Voice: Encouraging participation, choice and independence
- Maintaining a Safe Environment: Contributing to a positive, homely and supportive residential setting
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL:
- GCSE English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent) at Grade C / Level 4 or above
- Previous experience working with children or young people in a care, education or support setting
- A caring, patient and resilient approach to residential care
- Strong communication skills, including written report writing
- Basic IT skills for data entry and record keeping
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and sleep-in duties
DESIRABLE:
- QCF (NVQ) Level 3 in Residential Childcare, Health and Social Care, or willingness to work towards this (funded by the school)
- Experience supporting autistic young people or individuals with additional needs
- Knowledge of safeguarding and residential childcare best practice
The school reserves the right to close the advertisement early, should it receive sufficient applications prior to the closing date. This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake an enhanced disclosure. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Residential Care Support Worker employer: Swalcliffe Park School
Contact Detail:
Swalcliffe Park School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Care Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the care sector, especially those who have experience with autistic young people. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to residential care. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Residential Care Support Worker. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let them know why you’re excited about supporting young people. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at Swalcliffe Park School.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Care Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Residential Care Support Worker and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: When applying, customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience. We want to see how your background as a Care Assistant or similar roles makes you a great fit for supporting our students.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key in this role, make sure to demonstrate your written skills in your application. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Swalcliffe Park School!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swalcliffe Park School
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Residential Care Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the key duties like promoting independence and safeguarding practices. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous roles in care or education settings. Highlight specific examples where you've supported young people, especially those with additional needs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Values
Swalcliffe Park School values a caring and patient approach. During the interview, share stories that reflect your commitment to these values. Talk about how you’ve built relationships with young people and contributed to their personal development.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in supporting students. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
