Residential Support Worker

About the role

This is a Residential Support Worker position based at Surrey County Council's community home in Woking, supporting children and young people with complex needs, many of whom have experienced trauma in their early lives. The role sits within an established team committed to providing consistent, therapeutic care within a 24-hour residential setting.

Working as part of a committed team, you will play a key part in the day-to-day lives of the young people in the home. Our young people often have complex needs, making the work both challenging and rewarding, with no two days being the same. You will assist with day-to-day tasks around the home, help young people navigate difficult situations, support bedtime routines, assist with homework, and accompany them to appointments, activities, and trips. Throughout all of this, you will be a role model — demonstrating positive values and behaviours, and holding high standards for the well-being and safety of every young person in your care.

Support is delivered using therapeutic interventions and restorative practice to help young people develop appropriate coping strategies, navigate challenging situations, and build healthy relationships. You will work alongside professionals including psychologists and an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) service.

This role requires shift working on a rota basis across a 24-7 service. On average you would be required to work two sleep-ins per week and approximately one weekend in three. Enhanced rates of pay apply to sleep-ins, weekend working, and bank holiday working.

This role includes:

• Providing consistent, day-to-day care and support to children and young people with complex and trauma-related needs
• Using therapeutic interventions and restorative practice to support coping strategies and healthy relationships
• Prioritising effectively and communicating clearly in a fast-moving residential environment
• Accompanying young people to appointments, activities, and community trips
• Bringing calm, adaptability, and a sense of fun to daily interactions and routines

Applications are reviewed and considered on an ongoing basis. To apply, upload your CV and answer the application questions listed in the advert. For informal enquiries about the role, contact Sarah Muzzall at residentialrecruitment@surreycc.gov.uk. Click Apply Now to discover more about this opportunity.

About You

Surrey is looking for individuals who understand what it means to work alongside children and young people, and who can bring patience, empathy, and ambition for the young people in their care. This is a role where personal qualities matter as much as formal experience.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification, or be willing to work towards one — candidates who do not hold this qualification but meet the enrolment criteria (including English and Maths skills, residence in the UK/EEA for the last three years, and the right to remain and work in the UK for the duration of the study programme) will be enrolled upon successful appointment, subject to funding; failure to achieve the qualification or loss of the right to work in the UK may result in the termination of employment
• Be 22 years of age or above, in line with legal obligations for this role
• Have relevant experience or transferable skills working with children, young people, or vulnerable individuals
• Be calm, adaptable, and able to manage unexpected situations with care and good judgement
• Hold a full, valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle, as staff are expected to transport young people to appointments and activities
• Be willing and able to use restrictive physical intervention (restraint) as a last resort when no safer alternative exists, with full accredited training provided — this is not a routine part of the role, and de-escalation and preventative strategies are always the first approach
• Demonstrate positive values, the motivation to understand what is happening for a particular child or young person, and the ambition to support them to reach their full potential

Surrey is a disability confident employer. If you have declared a disability on your application and have evidenced that you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria, you are guaranteed an interview. Reasonable adjustments will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long-term health condition. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for regulated activity, including Children's and Adults' Barred List checks, is required for this role. Surrey is unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Surrey's Offer to You

Children's residential services at Surrey County Council offer a clearly defined career pathway with genuine progression opportunities. Supporting staff to achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare is taken seriously, with a proven track record of investment in staff qualifications. Gaining this qualification opens the route to Senior Residential Worker positions, starting at £34,660 per annum. Surrey's residential services continue to expand, with further homes planned to open, meaning development opportunities are growing alongside the service.

You will have access to a wealth of personal development resources through a dedicated learning and development hub, and will work as part of a wider professional network including psychologists and the ACT service. Surrey's benefits package includes:

• 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 supporting health and wellbeing
• Two paid volunteering days per year
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• And more, including relocation support and a refer-a-friend payment of £750

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to 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 these new councils.