Residential Support Worker

About the role

This is a residential support worker role within Surrey County Council's community home in Woking, supporting children and young people with complex needs, many of whom have experienced trauma in their early lives. Working as part of an established team, you will contribute to their safety, wellbeing, and long-term outcomes through consistent, relationship-based care.

The role spans the full range of daily life in a children's home. On any given shift you may be helping with homework, supporting bedtime routines, assisting young people to attend appointments or activities, or working alongside colleagues to de-escalate a difficult situation. Young people are supported using therapeutic interventions and restorative practice, helping them to navigate challenges, develop coping strategies, and build healthy relationships. Surrey also has access to professional support including psychologists and an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) service to enrich practice.

This is a shift-based role on a rota covering a 24/7 service. On average, you would be required to work two sleep-ins per week and approximately one weekend in three. Enhanced rates of pay apply for sleep-ins, weekends, and bank holiday working.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting children and young people with day-to-day tasks and routines across the home
• Using therapeutic interventions and restorative practice to help young people manage challenging situations
• Acting as a positive role model, demonstrating values and behaviours that promote healthy development
• Assisting young people to attend appointments, activities, or trips, requiring use of a vehicle
• Applying de-escalation and preventative strategies, with willingness and ability to use restrictive physical intervention as a last resort safeguarding measure when no safer alternative exists (full accredited training provided)

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. To apply, upload your CV and answer the application questions listed in the advert. For informal enquiries about the role, including questions about flexible working, transferable skills, or any barriers to employment, contact Sarah Muzzall at residentialrecruitment@surreycc.gov.uk.

About You

Surrey is looking for individuals who are calm and adaptable, and who can build genuine relationships with children and young people. An ability to communicate articulately, prioritise effectively, and bring a sense of fun to how you work are all valued alongside formal experience.

You do not need to come from a residential care background. Transferable skills and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people are equally welcomed.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification, or be willing to work towards it within two years of starting; candidates who do not currently hold the qualification but meet enrolment criteria (including English and Maths skills) will be enrolled subject to funding, and must have lived in the UK or EEA for the last three years and hold the right to remain and work in the UK for the duration of the study programme
• Be 22 years of age or above, as required by legal obligations applicable to this role
• Demonstrate patience, empathy, and the motivation to understand what is happening for a particular child or young person
• Be able to remain calm and make sound decisions in unexpected or challenging situations
• Hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle, to support young people to attend appointments, activities, and trips
• Show ambition for the children and young people in the home, actively supporting them to reach their potential

Surrey is committed to the safe recruitment of staff in its residential homes. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for regulated activity, including Children's and Adults' Barred List checks, is required for this role. Reasonable adjustments will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long-term health condition. Surrey is a disability confident employer: if you have disclosed a disability on your application and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria, you are guaranteed an interview. Surrey is unfortunately not able to offer sponsorship at this time.

Surrey's Offer to You

Surrey's children's residential service is expanding, with further homes opening this year and beyond. There is a clearly defined career pathway: completing the Level 3 Diploma opens progression to Senior Residential Worker, starting at £34,660 per annum, and the service continues to grow its opportunities. Surrey has a proven track record of supporting staff to pass their qualification and is proud of those achievements.

Staff have access to a wider professional network including psychologists and an ACT service, as well as a learning and development hub with a wealth of resources. Surrey's offer also includes:

• 26 days' annual leave rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years, plus the option to buy up to 10 additional days
• A generous local government salary-related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year, plus paternity, adoption, and dependants leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme supporting health and wellbeing
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• And more

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 1 April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new councils.