Job description
Residential Support Worker – Day & Night Shifts
Location: Thanet, Kent
Salary Scale: 13.68+ per hour (depending on experience)
Start Date: 9 November 2026 / 16 November 2026
Contract: Short-term, with the potential to extend
Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with autism and additional needs? Do you have the patience, compassion and experience to help them feel safe, develop independence and navigate everyday challenges?
GSL Education Kent are recruiting three Residential Support Workers to join a specialist autism school in Thanet, Kent. We have opportunities available across both day and night shifts, supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) within a residential setting.
These roles offer an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people’s lives by providing consistent care, emotional support and encouragement throughout their daily routines.
Day and night opportunities
We have vacancies across different shift patterns, with flexible working arrangements considered where possible. Whether you prefer night shifts, daytime hours or afternoon and evening work, we would love to hear from you.
Potential for longer-term work
The initial assignments are for a minimum of two weeks, with the potential for extension depending on the needs of the setting.
Support throughout your journey
Our specialist Kent SEND recruitment team will guide you through the application process, discuss your availability and help you understand the requirements of the role.
What opportunities are available?
1. Residential Support Worker – Night Shifts
Start date: Monday 9 November 2026
Working pattern: Four nights per week
- Monday: 10:10pm – Tuesday 7:35am
- Tuesday: 10:10pm – Wednesday 7:35am
- Wednesday: 10:10pm – Thursday 7:35am
- Thursday: 10:10pm – Friday 7:35am
Contract: Minimum two weeks, with the potential to extend.
This role is suited to someone who is comfortable supporting young people overnight, maintaining a safe and settled environment, and responding appropriately to their care and support needs.
2. Residential Support Worker – Day Shifts
Two positions available:
- One position starting Monday 9 November 2026.
- One position starting Monday 16 November 2026.
Working pattern:
- Monday: 2:45pm – 10:30pm
- Tuesday: 7:30am – 9:15am and 3:15pm – 10:30pm
- Wednesday: 7:30am – 9:15am and 3:15pm – 10:30pm
- Thursday: 7:30am – 9:15am and 3:15pm – 10:30pm
- Friday: 7:30am – 10:45am
Contract: Minimum two weeks, with the potential to extend.
The afternoon and evening shifts include a 30-minute unpaid break.
Flexible availability is welcome. Candidates who can only work mornings or afternoons and evenings are encouraged to apply, as suitable working arrangements may be considered.
Additional opportunity: Assistant Residential Team Leader – Day
Candidates with previous residential care leadership or supervisory experience may also be considered for an Assistant Residential Team Leader – Day position, depending on suitability and the setting’s requirements.
If you have experience supporting a team, guiding colleagues or helping maintain high standards of care, please highlight this in your application.
What will you be doing?
As a Residential Support Worker, you’ll help provide a safe, structured and supportive environment for children and young people with autism, SEND and complex additional needs.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Supporting children and young people with their daily routines and personal care needs.
- Promoting emotional wellbeing, dignity, safety and independence.
- Building trusting, professional relationships with young people and helping them feel understood and valued.
- Supporting communication, social interaction and the development of everyday life skills.
- Responding calmly and appropriately to distress, challenging behaviour or changes in individual needs.
- Following safeguarding procedures, care plans and behaviour support strategies.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a consistent and nurturing residential environment.
- Helping young people feel secure and supported throughout the day or night, depending on your shift pattern.
What makes a great Residential Support Worker?
We’re looking for people who are:
- Experienced in supporting children or young people with autism, SEND or complex needs.
- Caring, patient and compassionate, with a genuine interest in improving young people’s lives.
- Confident supporting personal care and daily living routines where required.
- Able to respond calmly and professionally to challenging situations.
- Knowledgeable about safeguarding and the importance of maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
- Reliable, adaptable and comfortable working as part of a team.
- Committed to promoting dignity, emotional wellbeing and independence.
Previous experience in residential care or a specialist school setting would be particularly beneficial. Experience in autism support, behaviour management and working with children and young people with complex needs is highly relevant.
For the Assistant Residential Team Leader opportunity, previous leadership or supervisory experience should also be highlighted.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and references.
Ready to make a difference?
If you have the relevant experience and would like to support children and young people in a specialist residential setting, we’d love to hear from you.
Please apply with your full and up-to-date CV, and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss the opportunity.
For more information on this role or other upcoming opportunities, please contact Kate at the GSL Education Kent office.