Senior Children's Residential Worker

Join to apply for the Senior Children's Residential Worker role at Surrey County Council

The starting salary is £33,552 per annum based on a 36‑hour week plus enhanced rates of pay for occasional weekends, bank holidays and sleep‑in duties.

• 26 days’ holiday (prorated for part‑time staff), 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
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
• A generous local government salary‑related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Relocation bonus of up to £8,000
• Refer a friend payment of £750 as a thank you for finding the right residential worker

We have opportunities to join our homes located across Surrey in Guildford, Woking, Redhill, and Walton on Thames.

Our Senior Residential Workers turn our Residential Houses into Homes. We want our homes to be exceptional for the children we are entrusted to care for. It’s what we strive to provide and what our children deserve.

We want our homes to be nurturing, fun and inspirational places where our young people feel safe to be themselves and can rely on us to guide, care, and support them to grow and thrive whatever their challenges.

Building effective relationships, co‑ordinating activities and holidays, creating meaningful care plans, working together with partner organisations, writing reports and ensuring records are kept clear and up to date are some of the ways our Senior Residential Workers support our children.

Like all supportive, caring and compassionate home environments, no two days are the same, they throw up complex and challenging situations and are on 24/7 – 365 days of the year. So, if you are looking for a 9‑5 job which is straight forward and predictable, you might want to sit this one out.

There will be swearing, shouting, and the occasional tear. But there will also be happiness, laughter and smiles. There will be reward for hard work, determination and resilience, knowing that you make a difference.

Along with a dedicated and committed team we will provide you with opportunities for ongoing learning and development through a culture of high support that enables you to grow your career within our Residential service at Surrey.

So, if you think you have what it takes, can match our energy to be exceptional, and are ready to expand your experience with us at Surrey we (and our children) really want to hear from you.

• Looking at our advert please tell us what it is about the role that has motivated you to apply?
• Please tell us about the relevant experience or transferable skills you have in relation to this role?
• What three qualities do you have that would make you a good Support Worker and why will these be important?
• Please tell us how you would handle a situation where challenging behaviour was present? Please offer a relevant example if you can.

Due to our legal obligations, we can only accept applications from people 22 years old and above.

Surrey has both urban and rural areas and our residential workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and access to a vehicle, to support our young people to attend appointments, activities or trips as agreed. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long‑term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.

To be considered for our Senior Residential Worker role you will need to hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (Residential Worker) or equivalent and have some experience of direct work with children or vulnerable groups.

If you don’t currently hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare then please consider applying as a Residential Support Worker first and we can support you with the rest!

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could…