Children's Residential Worker

This role has 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.

As a 24/7 service operating all year round, our roles work on a rota basis. Shifts are usually between 10 and 12 hours to ensure consistent care for our children and young people, though this may vary slightly for each home depending on staffing arrangements and the needs of our children and young people.

We'll talk through shift patterns and rotas during the Teams call so you're clear on what to expect.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), 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
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Relocation bonus
• Refer a friend payment of £750 as a thank you for finding the right residential worker

We have opportunities to join our homes in:

• Guildford 
• Woking
• Walton on Thames
• Tadworth
• Dorking
• Cobham

Our Residential Workers turn our Residential Houses into Residential Homes!

We want our homes to be exceptional for the children we are entrusted to care for. It's what we strive to provide and what our children want and need.

We want our homes to be nurturing, fun and inspirational places where our young people feel safe to be themselves and can rely on us to guide, care, and support them to grow and thrive whatever their challenges.

Building effective relationships, co-ordinating activities and holidays, creating meaningful care plans, working together with partner organisations, writing reports and ensuring records are kept clear and up to date are some of the ways our Residential Workers support our children. 

Like all supportive, caring, and compassionate home environments; no two days are the same, they throw up complex and challenging situations and are on 24/7 - 365 days of the year. So, let's be honest, if you are looking for a 9-5 job which is straight forward and predictable, you might want to sit this one out.

There will be swearing, shouting, and the occasional tear. But there will also be happiness, laughter, and smiles. There will be reward for hard work, determination and resilience, knowing that you make a difference.

When working in our home you may support children and young people, who present with complex needs including:

• Trauma histories
• Attachment difficulties
• SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health) needs
• ADHD, anxiety, behavioural dysregulation
• Risk of exploitation or criminal involvement

If you have experience of supporting young people with these types of challenges- whether in education, special educational needs settings, youth work, or community roles this would be highly transferable into a role and future career with us.

Along with a dedicated and committed team we will support you to achieve the mandatory, nationally recognised, Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (within two years of starting) if you don't already have this. Gaining this qualification will open opportunities for you to progress to a Senior Residential Worker (starting at £33,552 per annum) along with helping you grow the skills needed to be an effective Residential Worker.

So, if you think you have what it takes, can match our energy to be exceptional, and are willing to learn, we (and our children) really want to hear from you.

To apply you will need to upload your CV and answer the following 4 questions, considering  our behaviours :

1. Looking at our advert please tell us what it is about the role that has motivated you to apply?
2. Please tell us about the relevant experience or transferable skills you have in relation to this role?
3. What three qualities do you have that would make you a good Support Worker and why will these be important?
4. Please tell us how you would you handle a situation where challenging behaviour was present? Please offer a relevant example if you can.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook also provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council. 

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.

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.

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.

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

To find out more about careers in Children's residential care, please visit ' Jobs in Children's Homes '.

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 above questions (lasting approx. 10-15 min), and if successful following this, invited to meet us at one of our homes for an interview. We will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis so feel free to submit an application as soon as you wish, and we will come back to you as quickly as possible.

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.

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