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- Tasks: Support students' personal and educational development in a residential setting.
- Company: Valence School, dedicated to empowering students with disabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, fully funded training, pension scheme, and staff wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Patience, adaptability, and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and enjoy flexible working hours.
The predicted salary is between 24528 - 24528 £ per year.
Overview
STUDENT SUPPORT ASSISTANT (RESIDENTIAL) – Permanent full time & part time opportunities.
Term time roles: £13.50ph. 39 working weeks and 6.4 weeks paid holiday.
Monday to Friday: Hours worked on set shifts between 7am and 10pm.
Full time: 40 hours per week: £24,528 actual gross p.a.
Part time: minimum of 3 shifts per week: Combination of early and/or late shifts.
Patterns:
- Pattern 1: Monday (12:30-22:00), Tuesday (12:30-22:00), Wednesday (07:00-14:30), Thursday (07:00-14:30), Friday (07:00-15:30).
- Pattern 2: Monday (08:00-15:30), Tuesday (07:00-14:30), Wednesday (12:30-22:00), Thursday (12:30-22:00), Friday (07:00-15:30).
Please indicate when applying your preferred working hours (Full time or Part time).
About this role
Valence School is looking for Residential Education Support Staff to help students thrive in both the class and residential settings. You will support students’ personal, social, emotional and educational development while helping them gain independence and life skills.
What you will do
- Support students across both education and residential settings, promoting their intellectual, physical, social and emotional development, including personal care and mealtime assistance.
- Implement care support plans, promote independence and maintain effective communication with staff and multi-disciplinary departments to ensure consistency of care.
- Safely support students who require medical interventions, following all emergency procedures and risk assessments in both classroom and residential environments.
- Attend required training and undertake the preparation and administration of medication, including supporting gastrostomy feeds where needed.
- Enable participation in activities aligned with the ‘Preparing for Adulthood’ framework.
- Study towards Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, if applicable.
- Record and report information accurately and promptly, demonstrating a flexible, proactive, “can-do” approach to support students’ learning, wellbeing and daily routines.
- The role will include a substantial amount of moving and handling and personal care.
Who we are looking for
- Physically capable of safely supporting students with disabilities and complex medical needs.
- Patient, positive and adaptable with resilience and a flexible attitude.
- Committed to professional development, including completing the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, if applicable.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with strong safeguarding awareness.
- Desirable: Experience in school or residential settings, GCSEs in English/Maths, Level 3 Diploma and knowledge of SEND.
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.
- On-site overnight staff accommodation is available for those working a 10pm late shift followed by a 7am early shift.
Why work with us?
Be part of a supportive and passionate team, helping students achieve their potential while developing your own skills and career. Apply today and make a real difference every day!
C.V.'s alone will not be accepted. Applications must be made on the school's recruitment portal.
For details please visit www.valenceschool.com > work for us or visit our recruitment portal on My New Term.
The application form for this role will need to be completed on My New Term (we are unable to accept CV's). 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.
For details, please read information for applicants.
We are recruiting for this post on a rolling basis therefore you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy, interview and appoint earlier if we receive sufficient applications for this role.
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).
Student Support Assistance employer: Valence School
Contact Detail:
Valence School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Support Assistance
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Valence School and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Student Support Assistant, you'll need to connect with students and staff alike. Role-play common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your experiences! Think about times when you've supported others or worked in challenging situations. These stories can really highlight your adaptability and commitment during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to fill out the application form completely and accurately. This is your chance to shine, so don’t skip any details that showcase your skills and passion for helping students thrive.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Support Assistance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Thorough with Your Application: Make sure to fill out the online application form completely. We need your full employment history and any gaps explained, so don’t skip anything! If it’s not all there, we can’t move forward with your application.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: This is your chance to shine! Write a statement that clearly shows how you meet the criteria in the person specification. Tell us why you want to join our team and how you can make a difference for our students.
Show Off Your Skills: Highlight any relevant experience you have, especially in school or residential settings. We love seeing candidates who are patient, adaptable, and ready to support students with disabilities and complex needs.
Apply Early!: We’re reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so don’t wait too long to apply. The sooner you get your application in, the better your chances of joining our amazing team at Valence School!
How to prepare for a job interview at Valence School
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Student Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like supporting students' personal and educational development, implementing care plans, and assisting with medical interventions. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
This role requires patience, adaptability, and excellent communication skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these qualities, especially in challenging situations. Highlighting your ability to work as part of a team and your commitment to safeguarding will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations involving students with disabilities or complex needs. Think about scenarios related to personal care, emotional support, or medical assistance. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process and demonstrate your problem-solving skills during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the training and support available for staff, or how the school promotes student independence. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your desire to contribute positively to the team and the students' lives.