Residential Education Worker Placement 2026
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: £26,951 per year
* Retention bonus: £1,000 (£250 after 1 month, £250 after 1 year, £500 after 18 months)
* 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
Placement Details
* Start date: July 2026 (or by September 2026)
* Contract: 52-week fixed term (placement year)
* Rota: 37-hour working week in a shift pattern, including weekends. Sleep-in duties are required and will be paid at the appropriate rate for sleep-in shifts. Term-time weekday shifts are generally but not exclusively 2pm–9pm.
Application Process
To be considered for interview, please complete a full application form (including education/employment history, 5-year address history including term-time addresses, and a statement about yourself, your experience and what you hope to gain).
* You can request an application pack: recruitment@st-josephscranleigh.surrey.sch.uk
* Call us: 01483 272449 (ask for Recruitment)
* Click on the apply button to submit your application
Applications are reviewed as they are received – so apply early!
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.
How to apply
To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.