Residential Worker

About the role

Residential Workers at Surrey County Council support children and young people in residential homes across Guildford, Woking, Walton on Thames, Tadworth, Dorking, and Cobham. The young people in these homes present with a range of complex needs, and the role is about turning residential houses into genuine homes.

Surrey wants its homes to be nurturing, fun, and inspirational places where young people feel safe to be themselves and can rely on staff to guide, care, and support them to grow and thrive, whatever their challenges. No two days are the same. Alongside rewarding moments of happiness and progress, the role involves complex and challenging situations, and requires real determination and resilience.

Children and young people supported may present with trauma histories, attachment difficulties, Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, behavioural dysregulation, or risk of exploitation or criminal involvement. This role includes:

• Building effective relationships with children and young people
• Co-ordinating activities and holidays that meet individual needs
• Creating and contributing to meaningful care plans
• Working with partner organisations to provide joined-up support
• Writing reports and maintaining clear, up-to-date records

As a 24/7 service operating all year round, roles work on a rota basis. Shifts are usually between 10 and 12 hours, though this may vary slightly for each home depending on staffing arrangements and the needs of the young people. Working patterns include weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in duties. Shift patterns and rotas will be discussed during the initial Teams interview so candidates are clear on what to expect before proceeding.

To apply, upload your CV and answer the following four questions: what motivated you to apply; your relevant experience or transferable skills; three qualities that would make you a good Residential Worker and why they matter; and how you would handle a situation involving challenging behaviour, with a relevant example if possible. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, so you are encouraged to apply as soon as you are ready. If shortlisted, you will be invited to a short virtual first interview (approximately 10 to 15 minutes), and if successful, to visit one of the homes for a face-to-face interview.

For informal enquiries about these roles, contact Sarah Muzzall at residentialrecruitment@surreycc.gov.uk.

About You

Surrey is looking for people who can match the energy required to be exceptional in this work, and who are willing to learn and grow in a demanding but deeply rewarding environment. Experience gained in education, special educational needs settings, youth work, or community roles is considered highly transferable.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification; candidates who do not yet hold this qualification may be enrolled to complete it within two years of starting, subject to meeting enrolment criteria including English and Maths skills, having lived in the UK or European Economic Area for the last three years, and having the right to remain and work in the United Kingdom for the duration of the study programme — failure to achieve the qualification or loss of the right to remain and work in the UK may result in termination of employment
• Have experience supporting young people with complex needs, including trauma, attachment difficulties, or behavioural challenges
• Be willing and able to use restrictive physical interventions as a last resort, when no safer alternative exists, to ensure the safety of young people or others; full training from an accredited provider will be given, and such interventions are not a routine part of the role
• Hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle, as the role requires supporting young people to attend appointments, activities, and trips
• Be aged 22 or above, in line with legal obligations for this role
• Demonstrate resilience, determination, and the ability to build consistent, caring relationships with young people

Surrey is committed to the safe recruitment of staff in its residential homes. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for regulated activity and checks against the Children's and Adults' Barred Lists are required for this role. Sponsorship is not available. Surrey is a Disability Confident employer: candidates who declare a disability and evidence they meet the minimum shortlisting criteria are guaranteed an interview. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and beyond for candidates with a disability or long-term health condition.

Surrey's Offer to You

Residential Workers are supported with a dedicated learning and development offer and a clear progression route: gaining the Level 3 Diploma opens the path to Senior Residential Worker roles, starting at £34,660 per annum. Surrey's Learning and Development Hub provides access to a wide range of resources to help staff build the skills they need to be effective in this work.

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. Employees on 1 April 2027 will transfer to one of the new councils with their current terms and conditions protected.

Benefits include:

• 26 days' annual leave, rising to 28 days after two years and 31 days after five years, with the option to buy up to 10 additional days
• A generous local government salary-related pension
• Up to five days of carer's leave per year, plus paternity, adoption, and dependants leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Two paid volunteering days per year
• Lifestyle discounts covering gym, travel, shopping, and more