Children's Residential Worker

Applewood is a welcoming, family‑focused children's residential home based in Tadworth . We support children and young people aged 5–18 who may have a range of physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and additional needs. All children and young people have bespoke care packages designed around them as individuals. 

At Applewood, we pride ourselves on being a warm and inclusive place where children and young people can make friends, build confidence, and feel at home. We are looking for compassionate, motivated, and flexible Residential Support Workers to join our dedicated team. 

This is a full‑time, permanent role with a starting salary of £31,659 per annum , based on a 36‑hour week, plus enhanced rates of pay for weekends, bank holidays, and sleep‑in duties. We also welcome applications from those interested in part-time working as the role can be offered at 18 hours per week, with the salary adjusted on a pro rata basis. 

As a 24/7 service operating all year round, our roles work on a rota basis. Rotas are usually agreed four weeks in advance and may include a combination of early shifts (starting at 7am), late shifts (starting at 2pm), and sleep‑ins. We'll talk through shift patterns and rotas during the recruitment process so you're clear on what to expect. 

Our Offer to You 

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government, salary‑related pension
• Up to 5 days of carers' leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption, and dependants' leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Access to a learning and development hub with a wide range of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts, including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
• Relocation bonus
• Refer‑a‑friend payment of £750 as a thank you for finding the right Residential Worker

About the Role 

As a Residential Support Worker, you will work closely with children and young people to support their daily lives, wellbeing, and development. You'll help create a safe and nurturing environment where they feel valued, listened to, and able to build friendships, while developing the skills that will support and prepare them for adulthood. 

You will: 

• Provide person‑centred care tailored to each child or young person's individual needs
• Support children and young people with personal and intimate care needs in a sensitive and respectful way
• Enable children and young people to engage in meaningful activities, experiences, and opportunities, both at home and in the community
• Work in partnership with parents, carers, and professionals, including our Children with Disabilities (CWD) social work teams and other council services
• Act as an advocate for the children and young people you support, ensuring their voices are heard and respected
• Adapt confidently to changing and sometimes challenging situations, always keeping the child at the centre of your practice
• Provide physical support and safe manual handling to meet children and young people's mobility and care needs

About You 

We're looking for someone who: 

• Is flexible, adaptable, and calm, in a variety of situations, some of which may be challenging due to the complex needs of the children and young people we support
• Brings energy, empathy, patience and a positive outlook to their work
• Is committed to putting children and young people at the heart of everything they do
• Is a team player, and able to work well as part of a supportive team
• Has strong written and verbal communication skills and confidence working with families and professionals

At Applewood, we value the right attitude, a willingness to learn, and a genuine passion for supporting others. If you have experience supporting young people, whether in education, special educational needs settings, youth work, or community roles- this experience would be highly transferable into the role and a future career with us.

Depending on the needs of the children and young people at any given time, you may work either within the main home or within our 'pod placement', which is a one‑bed solo provision. Staff to children ratios will vary in line with the complexity and level of support required. 

Supporting You 

We will support and invest in you to achieve the mandatory, nationally recognised Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (within two years of starting), if you do not already hold this qualification. We have a proven track record of supporting staff to successfully complete their qualification and are proud of the achievements of all the staff we invest in. 

Gaining this qualification will unlock opportunities to progress to a Senior Residential Worker role (starting at £34,660 per annum) and will help you build the skills and confidence needed to be an effective Residential Worker. We offer a clearly defined career pathway with progression opportunities within our expanding children's residential service, 

Working in children's residential services is a valuable gateway to developing a career within care. We offer a clearly defined career pathway and progression opportunities as well as access to a range of learning and development resources.

To apply you will need to upload your CV and answer our 4 application questions. 

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our  Life at Surrey handbook

Our Requirements 

Due to our legal obligations, we can only accept applications from people 22 years old and above. 

This role requires a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification. If you do not currently hold this qualification (or equivalent) but are successful in the interview and meet the enrolment criteria (including English and Maths skills), you will be enrolled in a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, subject to funding. 

In addition to the above, to meet the criteria of the Level 3 Diploma, you must have lived in the UK/EEA for the last 3 years and you must also have the right to remain and work in the United Kingdom for the duration of the study programme. Failure to achieve the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or losing your right to remain and work in the United Kingdom may result in the termination of your employment. 

We are unfortunately not able to offer sponsorship at this time. 

Surrey has both urban and rural areas and our residential workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and access to a vehicle, to support our young people to attend appointments, activities or trips as agreed. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.

This role involves supporting children and young people who may present with behaviours of concern. In certain circumstances, and only as a last resort, this may require the use of restrictive physical intervention (restraint) to ensure the safety of our children, young people, yourself, or others in the home.

Restrictive physical interventions are not a routine part of the role, and every effort should be made to manage situations through de‑escalation and preventative strategies. However, it is an important safeguarding measure that staff must be willing and able to use when there is no safer alternative. 

Full training will be provided to ensure any intervention taught is from an accredited provider and authorised and approved by the local authority. Encouraging staff to support children and young people proportionately and appropriately to minimise harm and maximise safety to all.

Contact Us 

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. If you have any questions about these roles please contact Sarah Muzzall via email at  View email address on surreycc.gov.uk

What Next? 

Applications will be reviewed and considered on an ongoing basis. If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to a short first round virtual interview to explore your answers to the application questions (lasting approx. 10-15 min), and if successful following this, invited to meet us at one of our homes for an interview. 

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role. 

We are committed to the safe recruitment of staff in our Residential homes across Surrey therefore if you are successful in being offered a role within our service, we will work with you to collect all required checks in line with government guidance. You can find out more about what information you will be asked to provide by visiting the  Government Guidance on children's homes recruitment. 

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) 

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. 

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here:  Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.

Our Commitment 

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.