Residential Worker

About the role

Surrey County Council is recruiting Residential Workers to join its children's homes across Guildford, Woking, Walton on Thames, Tadworth, Dorking, and Cobham. The homes support children and young people with a range of complex needs, and the role sits at the centre of providing consistent, nurturing care.

Residential Workers are the people who turn residential houses into residential homes. Surrey wants those homes to be nurturing, fun, and inspirational places where young people feel safe to be themselves and can rely on the team to guide, care for, and support them to grow and thrive, whatever their challenges. No two days are the same — the work is complex, sometimes demanding, and always on a 24/7, 365-days-a-year basis. There will be swearing, shouting, and the occasional tear. There will also be happiness, laughter, and smiles, and the reward that comes from hard work, determination, and resilience.

Children and young people supported may present with:

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

This is a rota-based role operating across a 24/7 service. 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. Rotas include weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in duties. Shift patterns and rotas will be discussed at the initial Teams call so candidates understand exactly what to expect.

This role includes:

• Building effective relationships with children and young people
• Co-ordinating activities and holidays
• Creating meaningful care plans and working alongside partner organisations
• Writing reports and maintaining clear, up-to-date records
• Supporting young people to attend appointments, activities, or trips

To apply, upload your CV and answer the following four questions, with reference to Surrey's behaviours: what motivated you to apply; your relevant experience or transferable skills; three qualities that would make you a good support worker and why; and how you would handle a situation involving challenging behaviour, with an example if possible. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as they wish.

For questions about the role, flexible working, transferable skills, or any barriers to employment, contact Sarah Muzzall at residentialrecruitment@surreycc.gov.uk. To find out more about careers in children's residential care, visit 'Jobs in Children's Homes'.

About You

Surrey is looking for people who can match the energy required to be exceptional — who are willing to learn, resilient in the face of complexity, and committed to the young people in their care. Experience from education, special educational needs settings, youth work, or community roles is highly transferable.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification; candidates who do not currently hold this qualification may be enrolled upon successful interview, subject to funding and meeting enrolment criteria (including English and Maths skills), and must have lived in the UK or EEA for the last three years and hold 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 work may result in termination of employment
• Have experience supporting children or young people with complex needs, whether in residential, educational, or community settings
• Be willing and able to use restrictive physical intervention (restraint) as a last resort, within an accredited and locally authorised framework, with full training provided; this is not a routine part of the role and every effort will be made to manage situations through de-escalation and preventative strategies
• Hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle, to support 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, trustworthy relationships with young people
• Be able to complete reports, maintain records, and work collaboratively with partner organisations

Surrey is a disability confident employer. Candidates who have disclosed a disability on their application form and have evidenced they meet the minimum shortlisting criteria will be guaranteed an interview. Reasonable adjustments will be made for successful applicants with a disability or long-term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the role.

This role requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for regulated activity, including checks against the Children's and Adults' Barred Lists. Surrey is committed to safe recruitment across its residential homes and will work with successful candidates to collect all required checks in line with government guidance. Surrey is not able to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Surrey's Offer to You

Surrey's Residential Workers are supported to develop professionally and progress within children's residential care. Upon gaining the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, opportunities open to progress to Senior Residential Worker, with a starting salary of £34,660 per annum. A dedicated learning and development hub provides access to a wide range of resources throughout your career.

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

Employee 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 including gym, travel, and shopping
• And more