This role has a starting salary of £29,697 per annum based on a 36-hour week, rising up to £31,848 per annum. Enhanced rates of pay are available for occasional bank holidays, weekends and sleep-ins.
Rewards and Benefits
*26 days’ holiday 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
Our Residential Workers turn our Residential Houses into Residential Homes and this is no different for Ruth House which is our home dedicated to caring and supporting children and young people with autism and/or learning disabilities.
In the same way you will support the children and young people in Ruth House, we will support you too! We offer the opportunity to gain the nationally recognised Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare. Not only will this qualification unlock new opportunities for you, including the chance to become a Senior Residential Worker earning £32,512 per annum, but it will also equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel as a Residential Worker.
We are committed to providing exceptional homes for the children we are entrusted to support, which is no less than they deserve.Our homes strive 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 thrive whatever their challenges.
As a valued member of the team at Ruth House you will positively contribute to the lives of the children and young people in our home, working to build effective relationships with them, supporting them with routine personal care, 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. These are just some examples of the work you will do that will support our children and young people with their everyday lives.
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.
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.
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.