Children's Residential Worker

About the role

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, providing nurturing, fun and inspirational places where 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.

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.

When working in our homes 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, and risk of exploitation or criminal involvement. Like all supportive, caring, and compassionate home environments, no two days are the same.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building effective relationships with children and young people
• Co-ordinating activities and holidays to enrich young people's experiences
• Creating meaningful care plans that support individual development
• Working together with partner organisations to provide comprehensive support
• Writing reports and ensuring records are kept clear and up to date

To apply you will need to upload your CV and answer four questions considering our behaviours. 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, and if successful, invited to meet us at one of our homes for an interview. For any questions about these roles please contact Sarah Muzzall via email at residentialrecruitment@surreycc.gov.uk.

About You

We're looking for dedicated individuals who can match our energy to be exceptional and are willing to learn. If you're looking for a 9-5 job which is straightforward and predictable, this role isn't for you. There will be swearing, shouting, and the occasional tear, but there will also be happiness, laughter, and smiles, with reward for hard work, determination and resilience.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be aged 22 years or above due to legal obligations
• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent qualification, or be willing to complete this within two years of starting if successful in interview and meeting enrolment criteria
• Have lived in the UK/EEA for the last 3 years and have the right to remain and work in the United Kingdom for the duration of the study programme
• Possess experience of supporting young people with complex challenges, whether in education, special educational needs settings, youth work, or community roles
• Hold a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and have access to a vehicle to support young people to attend appointments, activities or trips
• Be willing and able to use restrictive physical intervention (restraint) when there is no safer alternative, with full training provided

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 criteria, we guarantee you an interview. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need.

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

Surrey Offer to You

Along with a dedicated and committed team we will support you to achieve the mandatory, nationally recognised, Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare if you don't already have this qualification. 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.

• 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
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• And more including relocation bonus and refer a friend payment of £750