Residential Worker

About the role

This is an opportunity to join Surrey County Council's new children's residential home in Dorking, which forms part of an expanding service providing safe, stable homes for children and young people within Surrey. The Dorking site comprises a four-bed home supporting young people with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD) and a co-located two-bed home for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Residential Workers are part of a dedicated team supporting young people to ensure their safety and well-being. The young people supported often have complex needs, making the work both challenging and rewarding. Surrey is steadfast in its belief that working alongside children and young people, regardless of the challenges they face, is invaluable — providing consistent care and support, even during tough times, knowing the positive impact it can have.

The homes are designed to be nurturing, fun and inspirational places where young people feel safe to be themselves and can rely on the team to guide, care, and support them to grow and thrive.

This role includes:

• Building effective relationships with children and young people and providing structure and routine in their daily lives
• Co-ordinating activities and holidays, and creating meaningful care plans tailored to individual needs
• Working alongside partner organisations to ensure a joined-up approach to care
• Writing reports and keeping records clear and up to date
• Supporting young people to attend appointments, activities, or trips in the community

The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round. Roles work on a rota basis, with shifts typically between 10 and 12 hours, though this may vary slightly depending on staffing arrangements and the needs of the young people. Shifts include weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in duties, all of which attract enhanced rates of pay.

Applications are reviewed and considered on an ongoing basis. To apply, upload your CV and answer the application questions listed on the vacancy. For informal enquiries about the role, including questions about flexible working, transferable skills, or any barriers to employment, contact Sarah Muzzall at residentialrecruitment@surreycc.gov.uk.

About You

Surrey is looking for people who are committed to providing consistent, high-quality care for children and young people with complex needs. You will be well supported to develop your skills and grow within the service, and Surrey has a proven track record of investing in its staff.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification; if you do not currently hold this qualification but meet the enrolment criteria (including English and Maths skills), you will be enrolled in the Level 3 Diploma subject to funding — you must also have lived in the UK or EEA for the last three years and have the right to remain and work in the United Kingdom for the duration of the study programme, as failure to achieve the qualification or loss of the right to work may result in termination of employment
• Have relevant experience working with children or young people, or transferable skills applicable to a residential care setting
• Be able to build effective, trusted relationships with young people, particularly those presenting with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties or Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Demonstrate the ability to manage situations where challenging behaviour is present, using de-escalation and preventative strategies as a first response
• Hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle, as workers are expected to drive young people to appointments, activities, and trips
• Be 22 years of age or above, in line with legal obligations for this role
• Be willing and able, when there is no safer alternative, to use restrictive physical intervention following full training from an accredited provider — this is not a routine part of the role, but is an important safeguarding measure

Surrey is a disability confident employer. Candidates who disclose a disability on their application and 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 to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the role.

This post is subject to 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 practices across all residential homes and will work with successful candidates to complete all required pre-employment checks in line with government guidance.

Surrey's Offer to You

Surrey's children's residential service is an ambitious, well-established, and growing provision. The Dorking home is the fourth new home brought online to provide safe spaces for children and young people to remain or return to live in Surrey, reflecting genuine investment in local residential care. Residential Workers are well supported to develop their careers, with a clear pathway to Senior Residential Worker (starting at £34,660 per annum) on completion of the Level 3 Diploma.

The service offers a learning and development hub with access to a wealth of resources, and Surrey has a proven track record of supporting staff through their qualifications and celebrating their achievements.

• 26 days' annual leave, rising to 28 days after two years' service and 31 days after five years, plus an 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 dependents leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to support health and wellbeing
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• Two paid volunteering days per year
• Relocation bonus available
• And more, including a learning and development hub and 2 paid volunteering days per year

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.