Register Your Interest - Residential Education Worker Placement 2027

St Joseph's Specialist Trust; Waverley; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retention bonus

25 days annual leave

Free meals on duty

CPD-certified training

Medicash and Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Service

Ongoing 1:1 mentoring

Job summary

St Joseph’s Specialist Trust is offering university students a placement as a Residential Education Worker to support children and young people with complex needs in a residential setting. You’ll be involved in daily routines, meals and life-skills activities, with training and safeguarding supported by the team.

The role focuses on growth, mentorship and hands-on experience across autism, learning disabilities, ADHD, and mental health contexts.

Qualifications

• Empathy, resilience and proactive mindset required.
• Excellent communication with young people, families and professionals.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in care environments.
• Commitment to supporting young people in care and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Support children and young people aged 5–19 with autism, learning disabilities, ADHD and complex needs.
• Assist with daily routines, personal care, meals and activities on and off site.
• Contribute to life-skills learning like shopping, cooking and money handling.
• Provide ongoing support and mentoring within a residential team.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Problem solving

Safeguarding training

Education

University student

Job description

Are you a university student looking for a placement year that will shape your career and make a real difference? Join us at St Joseph’s Specialist Trust as a Residential Education Worker – where every day brings new opportunities to support, inspire and empower young people with special needs.

This role is ideal for psychology students or anyone interested in a career in education, SEN, mental health or social care. No matter your subject background, if you’re compassionate, resilient and proactive, this placement will give you invaluable skills and experiences to carry forward into your career.

What makes this placement special

As part of our residential team, you’ll work with children and young people aged 5–19 with autism, learning disabilities, ADHD and complex needs. You’ll be there for them outside of school hours – supporting with daily routines, personal care, meals and fun activities both on and off site.

From inclusive cycling sessions and adventure parks to trips to the beach, funfairs and AirHop, you’ll help create memories while also teaching life skills like shopping, cooking and money handling.

Every shift is different – and every day you’ll see the impact you’re making.

What you’ll gain

This isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to grow. You’ll build:

• Excellent communication skills – working with young people, families and professionals
• Collaboration and teamwork – alongside a skilled, supportive staff team
• Time management and organisation – working shifts and adapting to varied routines
• Problem solving and resilience – developing strategies to overcome challenges
• Specialist training – in safeguarding, autism and positive behaviour support
• Retention bonus
• 25 days paid annual leave and bank holidays (if working over bank holidays these will be paid and holiday accrued)
• Free meals when on duty
• Comprehensive induction and CPD-certified training – all staff will need to complete Team Teach Positive Behaviour Support training before starting, refreshed annually
• Medicash and Life Assurance schemes
• Employee Assistance Service – confidential wellbeing and counselling 24/7
• Ongoing 1:1 mentoring and an excellent network of support

What we’re looking for

We’ll provide full training – what matters most is you bring:

• Empathy and compassion
• Energy and resilience
• A willingness to learn and adapt
• Commitment to supporting young people in care
• A sufficient level of mental, physical and emotional resilience to meet the demands of the role

Safeguarding commitment

St Joseph’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This role requires an enhanced DBS check and references.

Deadline: Ongoing

Job Type:

Placement (10 Months+)

Job Roles:

Teaching

Social Work

Locations:

About St Joseph's Specialist Trust

Are you ready to change lives and take your first steps towards a truly rewarding career? At St Joseph’s Specialist Trust, we’re offering university students the chance to gain invaluable experience in our unique Placement Programme!