Register Your Interest - Residential Education Worker Placement 2027

Change lives. Build your future.

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

Why join us

• Competitive salary
• 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.

Register Your Interest

To be the first to know once applications open, register your interest today!