Child Care Officer

Salary/Rate:September Start

Job type:Permanent

Town/City:Chelmsford

County:Essex

Type of Role:Teaching Assistant/Learning Support Assistant

Job ref:9967

Post Date:04.07.25

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Meet Our Recruiter

Harry Owen

Managing Consultant

0203 011 4848

harry@psinclusion.co.uk

About the Role

Child Care Officer – Residential Special School
Location: Chelmsford | Pay: Scale 5 (£26,698 – £27,975) | Full-Time | Term Time Only + 5 CPD Days | Start Date: September 2024

Parker Smith Inclusion are working in partnership with a residential special school in Chelmsford that supports pupils across primary and secondary age groups, many of whom have complex social, emotional, and behavioural needs (SEMH). The school is looking to appoint a compassionate and enthusiastic Child Care Officer to join their dedicated care team from September 2024.

This is a term-time only role (plus five CPD days), with shift patterns between 7.30am and 9.00pm, Monday to Friday.

About the Role:

As a Child Care Officer, you will play a key role in supporting pupils' emotional wellbeing, social development, and independence outside of the traditional classroom setting. You will work both 1:1 and in small groups, offering pastoral care and engaging pupils in meaningful activities throughout the school day.

Your responsibilities will include:

Supporting pupils with social, emotional and behavioural development
Leading and participating in a variety of recreational and community-based activities
Creating a calm, structured, and nurturing residential environment
Acting as a keyworker to a small group of pupils, offering ongoing support and guidance
Escorting pupils to external appointments such as medical visits, shopping trips, or leisure activities
Administering medication and supporting personal care routines (with training)
Assisting with behaviour management strategies and contributing to care plans and reports
Attending team meetings, reviews, and training sessions as required

The Ideal Candidate Will:

Have experience working with or caring for children, ideally those with SEMH or SEND needs
Be patient, empathetic, and committed to promoting the wellbeing of vulnerable young people
Remain calm under pressure and be confident managing challenging behaviour
Be able to work both independently and as part of a close-knit team
Hold a full, clean driving licence with business use
Be willing to undertake behavioural intervention and de-escalation training

Additional Requirements:

Enhanced DBS check (required)
Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities and a commitment to promoting pupil welfare
Comfortable working in an environment where some pupils may present with complex behaviours
Willingness to participate in sleep-in duties and respond to out-of-hours needs, if required
A proactive attitude towards personal and professional development

What’s on Offer:

Full-time, term-time only role (plus 5 CPD days)
Pay in line with Scale 5 (£26,698 – £27,975 per annum), depending on experience
Structured induction and access to ongoing training and development
A supportive, inclusive school culture with opportunities for career progression
A meaningful opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people

Keen to make a difference in a rewarding care-based education role?
Apply today or contact Parker Smith Inclusion to find out more about this fantastic opportunity in Chelmsford.

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