Job Description
The starting salary for this role is?£29,697 per annum for working 36 hours per week. This role requires shift working on a rota basis so may not suit everyone. On average you would be required to work two sleep-ins per week and approximately one weekend in three as part of a 24-7 caring service. We provide enhanced rates of pay for any unsociable hours you work, including sleep-ins, weekend and bank holiday working.
Rewards and Benefits
26 days' holiday rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' serviceOption to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leaveAn extensive Employee Assistance Programme to support health and wellbeingUp to 5 days of carer's leave per yearPaternity, adoption and dependents leaveA generous local government salary related pensionLifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many moreTwo paid volunteering days per yearLearning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resourcesRelocation bonusRefer a friend payment of £750 as a thank you for finding the right residential worker
About the Role
We're excited to be supporting with recruiting to roles for a brand-new 2-bed children's residential community home in Cobham, as part of our expanding and ambitious residential service in Surrey. Our mission is to support children to remain connected to their communities-where it is safe and right for them-while providing a stable, nurturing environment that helps them thrive.
Residential Support Workers are the heart of our homes, working directly with children to create a safe, supportive, and enriching space they can call home. You'll play a key role in promoting their physical, emotional, and social development through meaningful engagement and consistent, compassionate care.
We're looking for motivated, resilient, and empathetic individuals to join our team and help shape the culture and ethos from the ground up. The home is co-located alongside another, meaning you will be able to draw on support from the already established team there, and the wider service, to help you embed and feel confident in your role. No two days will be the same-so being adaptable, calm under pressure, and confident in responding to challenging behaviours is essential.
You'll encounter the kinds of challenges familiar to any family environment-negotiating screen time, encouraging routines, setting boundaries, and supporting children through complex emotions and relationships. But you'll also have the privilege of walking alongside them through some of their most formative years, helping them build resilience, independence, and a sense of belonging.
In this role, you'll wear many hats: caregiver, mentor, advocate, and role model. You'll work restoratively, building strong, trusting relationships and encouraging accountability through open, honest communication. We place a strong emphasis on helping children stay active, engaged, and focused on what they can achieve-something we hope you'll embrace and help us build upon in this new home.
Experience in residential care, mental health, youth work, probation, or family services is valuable, but we also welcome transferable experience from education, sports coaching, or other people-focused roles. What matters most is your motivation and ability to connect with children, understanding how you can encourage and engage them to make healthy, meaningful and positive choices.
Supporting You
We will support and invest in you to achieve the mandatory, nationally recognised, Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (within two years of starting) if you do not already have this. We have a proven track record of supporting staff to pass their qualification and are proud of the achievements of all staff we invest in.
Gaining this qualification will unlock opportunities for you to progress to a Senior Residential Worker (starting at £32,512 per annum) and will help you grow the skills and confidence needed to be an effective Residential Worker. You will have access to a wealth of personal development and resources to ensure you feel confident to succeed and progress in your role, working as part of a wider network with support from professionals such as Psychologists and our Acceptance and Commitment Therapy service to enrich your practice.
Shortlisting Criteria
To apply you will need to upload your CV and answer the following questions:
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 importantPlease tell us how you would you handle a situation where challenging behaviour was present? Please offer a relevant example if you can
Our Requirements
Due to our legal obligations, we can only accept applications from people 22 years old and above.
This role requires a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification. If you do not currently hold this qualification (or equivalent) but are successful in the interview and meet the enrolment criteria (including English and Maths skills), you will be enrolled in a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, subject to funding.
In addition to the above, to meet the criteria of the Level 3 Diploma, you must have lived in the UK/EEA for the last 3 years and you must also have the right to remain and work in the United Kingdom for the duration of the study programme. Failure to achieve the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or losing your right to remain and work in the United Kingdom may result in the termination of your employment.
We are unfortunately not able to offer sponsorship at this time.
Our residential workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and to use home cars located on site to support our young people to attend a wide range of places including appointments, activities or trips as agreed.