Residential Support Worker – Applewood

About the role

Applewood is a welcoming, family-focused children's residential home based in Tadworth, supporting children and young people aged 5–18 who may have a range of physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and additional needs. All children and young people have bespoke care packages designed around them as individuals.

As a Residential Support Worker, you will work closely with children and young people to support their daily lives, wellbeing, and development. You'll help create a safe and nurturing environment where they feel valued, listened to, and able to build friendships, while developing the skills that will support and prepare them for adulthood. Depending on the needs of the children and young people at any given time, you may work either within the main home or within the 'pod placement', which is a one-bed solo provision, with staff-to-children ratios varying in line with the complexity and level of support required.

This role includes:

• Providing person-centred care tailored to each child or young person's individual needs, including sensitive and respectful support with personal and intimate care
• Enabling children and young people to engage in meaningful activities, experiences, and opportunities, both at home and in the community
• Working in partnership with parents, carers, and professionals, including the Children with Disabilities (CWD) social work teams and other council services
• Acting as an advocate for the children and young people you support, ensuring their voices are heard and respected
• Providing physical support and safe manual handling to meet children and young people's mobility and care needs

Applewood operates as a 24/7 service all year round. Rotas are usually agreed four weeks in advance and may include a combination of early shifts (starting at 7am), late shifts (starting at 2pm), and sleep-ins, with enhanced rates of pay for weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in duties. The role is offered at 36 hours per week; part-time working at 18 hours per week is also available, with salary adjusted on a pro rata basis. Shift patterns and rotas will be discussed in full during the recruitment process.

To apply, upload your CV and answer four application questions. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a short first-round virtual interview (approximately 10–15 minutes) to explore their application question answers, and if successful, to visit one of the homes for a full interview. For informal enquiries about the role, transferable skills, flexible working requests, or any barriers to employment, contact Sarah Muzzall at residentialrecruitment@surreycc.gov.uk.

About You

Applewood values the right attitude, a willingness to learn, and a genuine commitment to supporting others. Experience of working with young people — whether in education, special educational needs (SEN) settings, youth work, or community roles — would be highly transferable.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification, or be willing to work towards one; if not already held, candidates must meet the enrolment criteria (including English and Maths skills), 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 — failure to achieve the qualification, or loss of the right to work, may result in termination of employment
• Be flexible, adaptable, and calm across a variety of situations, including those that may be challenging due to the complex needs of the children and young people supported
• Bring energy, empathy, patience, and a positive outlook to their work
• Work well as part of a supportive team and be committed to putting children and young people at the centre of their practice
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills and confidence working with families and professionals
• Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle, to support young people attending appointments, activities, or trips
• Be willing and able to use restrictive physical intervention (restraint) as a last resort when no safer alternative exists, to ensure the safety of children, young people, and others in the home — full training from an accredited provider will be given, and every effort should first be made to manage situations through de-escalation and preventative strategies
• Be aged 22 or above, as required by the legal obligations of this role

Surrey County Council is committed to the safe recruitment of staff in its residential homes. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for regulated activity and checks against the Children's and Adults' Barred Lists are required. Surrey is unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time. Reasonable adjustments will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long-term health condition. Surrey is a Disability Confident employer: applicants who have disclosed a disability and evidenced the minimum shortlisting criteria are guaranteed an interview.

Surrey County Council's Offer to You

Applewood has a proven track record of supporting staff to achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, and offers a clearly defined career pathway with progression opportunities within an expanding children's residential service. Gaining the Level 3 qualification unlocks the opportunity to progress to a Senior Residential Worker role (starting at £34,660 per annum). There is also access to a learning and development hub with a wide range of resources, making children's residential services a valuable gateway to a longer career in care.

Benefits include:

• 26 days' annual leave, rising to 28 days after two years' service 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 carers' leave and two paid volunteering days per year
• 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 Surrey County Council's full suite of staff benefits

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