Children's Residential Worker Learning Disabilities

About the role

When a young person joins us at our home in Woking which supports children and young people with autism and/or learning disabilities, they're not just looking for support - they're looking for stability, encouragement and someone who believes in their potential. As a Children's Residential Worker, you'll play a key role in helping our children and young people to build confidence, independence and the skills they need for the future.

This is meaningful work. It's creative, hands on, unpredictable and challenging at times but also incredibly rewarding. Working in our home means being part of a team that genuinely cares, not just about our children and young people, but about each other.

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 depending on staffing arrangements and the needs of our children and young people. You'll work to a fixed 8-week rota meaning that you'll know in advance the days and hours you'll be working.

Each day, you'll help create a safe, fun and nurturing environment where our children and young people can grow and feel valued. Key responsibilities include:

• Bringing creativity into daily life, finding new ways to engage, motivate and connect - from imaginative activities both within the home and the community to problem solving moments
• Showing patience and consistency, supporting our 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 like trying something new, sharing a feeling, or achieving a task independently
• Helping to build practical life skills that support independence, like managing routines, shopping and cooking, communication and making choices
• Improving overall quality of life, ensuring every young person feels safe, heard and supported to be themselves

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 to explore your answers to the application questions (lasting approximately 10-15 minutes), and if successful following this, invited to meet us at one of our homes for an interview. For any questions about these roles please contact our residential recruitment team via email at residentialrecruitment@surreycc.gov.uk.

About You

We're looking for caring, motivated individuals who can bring their experience of supporting children or young adults with learning disabilities in residential, school, day‑care settings or equivalent to join our home. What will also be important is your attitude, your adaptability and your commitment to working in partnership with families and professionals in a child centred way.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be compassionate and resilient, patient, thoughtful and able to stay grounded in challenging moments
• Be creative and able to bring positivity into everyday situations
• Have excellent communication skills with the ability to adapt your methods depending on the needs of the child or young person
• Be comfortable supporting young people with their personal and intimate care
• Be 22 years old and above due to our legal obligations
• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent qualification, or be willing to enrol in this qualification if successful (subject to meeting enrolment criteria including English and Maths skills)
• 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
• Hold a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and have access to a vehicle to support our young people to attend appointments, activities or trips

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

As part of a supportive team you'll have tailored training and qualifications to help you grow, including support to complete the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare. Clear career progression is available whether into senior roles, specialist support or leadership, and you'll work in a supportive environment where your ideas and creativity are encouraged.

• 26 days' holiday, 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
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• And more including wellbeing and lifestyle discounts