This role has a starting salary of £29,697 per annum based on a 36-hour week plus enhanced rates of pay for weekends, bank holidays and sleep in duties.
Rewards and Benefits
*26 days’ holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years’ service and 30 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 dependents leave
*A generous local government salary related pension
*Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
*2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
*Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
*Relocation bonus
We have opportunities to join our homes in:
Guildford
Woking
Epsom
Walton on Thames
Our Residential Workers turn our Residential Houses into Residential 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 want and need.
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 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, let’s be honest, 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 support you to achieve the mandatory, nationally recognised, Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (within two years of starting) if you don’t already have this. Gaining this qualification will open opportunities for you to progress to a Senior Residential Worker (starting at £32,512 per annum) along with helping you grow the skills needed to be an effective Residential Worker.
So, if you think you have what it takes, can match our energy to be exceptional, and are willing to learn, we (and our children) really want to hear from you.
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 important?
*Please 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 additional 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 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.
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.
What next?
Applications will be reviewed and considered on an ongoing basis. If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to a short first round virtual interview to explore your answers to the above questions (lasting approx. 10-15 min), and if successful following this, invited to meet us at one of our homes for an interview.
An enhanced DBS ’Disclosure and Barring Service’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks will be required for this role.
We are committed to the safe recruitment of staff in our Residential homes across Surrey therefore if you are successful in being offered a role within our service, we will work with you to collect all required checks in line with government guidance.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.
We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.