Residential Worker (Learning Disabilities)

About the role

This is a residential worker role based at a home in Woking supporting children and young people with autism and/or learning disabilities. When a young person joins the home, they're looking for stability, encouragement and someone who believes in their potential — and this role sits at the centre of that experience.

Each day involves creating a safe, fun and nurturing environment where children and young people can grow and feel valued. The work is creative, hands-on and unpredictable at times, carried out within a team that genuinely cares about the children and about each other. Staff are encouraged to bring their own ideas and creativity into daily life at the home.

Key responsibilities include:

• Bringing creativity into daily life, finding new ways to engage, motivate and connect — from imaginative activities within the home and the community to problem-solving moments
• Showing patience and consistency, supporting children and young people through challenges with empathy and a calm approach even when things don't go to plan
• Celebrating progress, especially the small steps: trying something new, sharing a feeling, achieving a task independently
• Helping to build practical life skills that support independence, such as managing routines, shopping, cooking, communication and making choices
• Improving overall quality of life, ensuring every young person feels safe, heard and supported to be themselves

This is a 24/7 service operating all year round. Shifts are usually between 10 and 12 hours on a fixed 8-week rota, meaning you'll know in advance the days and hours you'll be working. Shift patterns include weekends and bank holidays, with enhanced rates available for those. Sleep-in duties form part of the role on an occasional basis. The specifics of the rota and shift patterns will be discussed during the initial Teams call.

A valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are required, as staff support young people to attend appointments, activities and trips.

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, so you're encouraged to apply as soon as you wish. If shortlisted, you'll be invited to a short virtual first-round interview (approximately 10–15 minutes) to explore your responses to the application questions. If successful at that stage, you'll be invited to meet the team at the home. Submit your CV and respond to the four application questions to apply. For informal enquiries, contact the residential recruitment team at residentialrecruitment@surreycc.gov.uk.

About You

Surrey is looking for caring, motivated individuals who can bring their experience and commitment to this specialist residential home. What matters alongside experience is attitude, adaptability and a genuine commitment to working in partnership with families and professionals in a child-centred way.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification — candidates who do not currently hold this qualification but meet the enrolment criteria (including English and Maths skills, three years' residency in the UK/EEA, and the right to remain and work in the UK for the duration of the study programme) may be enrolled; failure to achieve the qualification or loss of the right to work in the UK may result in termination of employment
• Have experience of supporting children or young adults with learning disabilities in residential, school, day-care or equivalent settings
• Be compassionate and resilient, with the ability to stay grounded in challenging moments
• Be creative and able to bring positivity into everyday situations
• Communicate effectively and adapt their methods to the needs of each child or young person
• Be comfortable supporting young people with personal and intimate care
• Be willing and able to use restrictive physical intervention as a last resort safeguarding measure when de-escalation and preventative strategies have been exhausted — full training from an accredited provider will be given
• Be aged 22 or above, in line with the legal requirements for this role

Surrey County Council is a disability confident employer. Applicants who have disclosed a disability and evidenced they meet the minimum shortlisting criteria are guaranteed an interview. Reasonable adjustments will be made for successful applicants with a disability or long-term health condition.

This role requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for regulated activity, including Children's and Adults' Barred List checks. All pre-employment checks will be completed in line with government guidance before any offer of employment is confirmed. Surrey is unfortunately unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time. Candidates must have the right to remain and work in the United Kingdom.

Surrey's Offer to You

Working in this home means being part of a team that genuinely cares — about the children and young people, and about each other. There is a strong emphasis on tailored development, with support to grow into senior roles, specialist support or leadership over time.

Surrey County Council is also undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two 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 organisations.

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
• Support to complete the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, with access to a broader learning and development hub
• Up to five days of carer's leave and two paid volunteering days per year, plus paternity, adoption and dependants leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel and shopping
• And more, including relocation support of up to £8,000 and a refer-a-friend payment of £750