At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in developing independence and life skills in a residential setting.
- Company: Valence School, dedicated to student welfare and professional development.
- Benefits: Fully funded training, generous pension scheme, staff wellbeing support, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Join a passionate team focused on helping students achieve their potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference every day while growing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Commitment to professional development and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 9811 - 14717 £ per year.
Permanent part-time, term-time roles available. Salary: £9,811.00 - £14,717.00 annually (actual), £13.50 per hour.
Term Time: 16-24 hours per week, Monday to Thursday, with shifts from 18:00-22:00 or 15:30-21:30. Alternatively, 24 hours per week from 15:30 to 21:30, or 16 hours per week from 18:00 to 22:00.
About this role:
We are looking for Care Support Assistants to support students in either class or residential settings. In this hands-on, rewarding role, you will help students develop their independence, life skills, and confidence every day. You will support students’ physical, social, emotional, and educational needs, assisting with daily activities such as mealtimes, personal care, and mobility. You will also assist with learning, life skills, and activities that promote independence and personal development. You will work closely with the education or residential teams, following student care plans and maintaining safety while supporting students’ wellbeing. Specialist training, including medication and gastrostomy feed administration, will be provided as required.
What we are looking for:
- Someone who is physically able to move, handle, and support students safely.
- Committed to professional development, including working towards a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare if applicable.
- Patient, respectful, and supportive, with excellent communication skills.
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection principles.
- Positive, resilient, adaptable, and able to respond to changing situations.
Desirable:
- Experience in a school or residential setting.
- GCSEs in English and Maths.
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
- Knowledge of SEND practice.
What we offer:
- A role with real purpose and daily impact.
- Fully funded qualifications and training.
- Generous pension scheme & life cover.
- Staff wellbeing sessions and support.
- Retail discounts and subsidised meals.
- Free on-site parking.
Why work with us?
Be part of a supportive, passionate team, helping students achieve their potential while developing your own skills and career. Apply today and make a real difference every day!
Applications must be made on the school's recruitment portal. It is important for the online application form to be completed in full, including complete employment history from leaving full-time education (age 16 or 18) and any gaps must be accounted for. If this is not fully completed, your application will not be progressed. Please also submit a suitable statement describing how you meet the criteria of the person specification and outline your reasons for application.
Please note, we can only consider applicants who have the right to work in the U.K. We are not able to offer visa sponsorship and we are not a sponsorship organisation.
Valence School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every student and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Valence School is committed to valuing diversity and promoting equality for all. References will be taken up before interview and online checks undertaken for shortlisted candidates. The successful applicant will require an enhanced DBS check (this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act).
Care Support Assistant (Residential) employer: Valence School
Valence School is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and students. With a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills in a supportive environment dedicated to fostering independence and life skills in children with complex needs. Located in England, this role provides the unique opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of young people while working alongside a passionate team committed to safeguarding and child protection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Support Assistant (Residential)
✨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 Valence School.
✨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 Valence School!
✨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 Valence School, 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 Valence School 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 Support Assistant (Residential)
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 Valence School:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Valence School! 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 Valence School
✨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.
