Residential Worker (Learning Disabilities)

About the role

This is a residential worker role in a home in Woking supporting children and young people with autism and/or learning disabilities. The work is creative, hands-on and at times unpredictable, but also genuinely rewarding for those committed to supporting young people to build confidence, independence and practical life skills.

The home operates as a 24/7 service throughout the year. Shifts are usually between 10 and 12 hours, though this may vary slightly depending on staffing arrangements and the needs of the young people. Staff work to a fixed 8-week rota, meaning you will know in advance the days and hours you are working. The rota includes weekends and bank holidays, and sleep-in duties form part of the role. Shift patterns and rota details will be discussed at the initial Teams interview.

Each day, you will help create a safe, fun and nurturing environment where children and young people can grow and feel valued. This role includes:

• 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 young people through challenges with empathy and a calm approach even when things do not go to plan
• Celebrating progress, including the small steps: trying something new, sharing a feeling, or 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

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. If shortlisted, you will be invited to a short first-round virtual interview (approximately 10 to 15 minutes) to explore your answers to four application questions. If successful, you will then be invited to visit one of the homes for a further interview. To apply, submit your CV and respond to the four application questions via the apply link. For any questions about the role — including flexible working requests or transferable skills — contact the residential recruitment team at residentialrecruitment@surreycc.gov.uk.

About You

Surrey is looking for caring, motivated individuals who can bring genuine commitment and adaptability to a child-centred environment. What matters as much as experience is attitude and a willingness to work in partnership with families and professionals.

Applications will be assessed against Surrey's stated behaviours, so please ensure your application clearly evidences how you meet them. The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification; if not currently held, candidates who are successful at interview and meet the enrolment criteria (including English and Maths skills) will be enrolled in the Level 3 Diploma, subject to funding — to meet the criteria, candidates must have lived in the UK/EEA for the last three years and hold 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
• 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
• Communicate effectively and adapt methods to the needs of individual children and young people
• Be comfortable supporting young people with personal and intimate care
• Be willing and able to use restrictive physical intervention as a last resort when required for safeguarding purposes; full accredited training will be provided, and every effort should be made to manage situations through de-escalation and preventative strategies
• Hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle, as staff are expected to support young people to attend appointments, activities and trips across both urban and rural areas of Surrey

Surrey is a disability confident employer. Candidates who have declared a disability and evidenced that 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. Due to legal obligations, applications can only be accepted from candidates aged 22 and above. Sponsorship is not available for this role.

This role requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for regulated activity, including Children's and Adults' Barred List checks. Surrey is committed to safe recruitment across all residential homes.

Surrey County Council's Offer to You

Working in the Woking home means being part of a team that genuinely cares — about the young people and about each other. Surrey provides tailored training and qualifications to help staff grow, with clear routes into senior roles, specialist support or leadership.

The wider offer includes:

• Support to complete the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, with access to a learning and development hub
• 26 days' annual leave, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years, plus the option to buy up to 10 additional days
• A generous local government salary-related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year, alongside paternity, adoption and dependants leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing, plus wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel and shopping
• And more, including a relocation bonus of up to £8,000 and a refer-a-friend payment of £750

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