Job Title

The starting salary 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. Benefits 26 days' holiday rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service Option to buy additional annual leave. An extensive Employee Assistance Programme 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. Two paid volunteering days per year Residential Support Workers are the backbone of our homes, working directly with our children providing them with a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment. They proactively engage our children in activities that promote positive physical, emotional, and social development, helping them recognise the benefits and sense of purpose these can provide. Our children's home located in Elmbridge supports children who experience social and emotional difficulties, is looking for motivated individuals to join the team. No two days in our home are the same, being prepared to expect the unexpected and react and respond calmly and confidently to challenging behaviours or situations is key. Day-to-day, you may encounter challenges similar to those of any family- debates over screen time, sticking to rules and routines, pushing and testing boundaries, and navigating complex relationships. You will have the privilege of supporting the children through some of the hardest times as they process the realities of growing up against the backdrop of trauma, and develop the life skills they will need to become independent. You will work restoratively with our children, focusing on building strong, healthy relationships and promoting accountability. Ensuring the children remain active and focused on what they can achieve is something that works well in our home and we hope this is something you will relish. The challenges of a career in children's residential care can be significant, the rewards of watching a child or young person develop are unparalleled. This opportunity would suit someone with a calm, proactive, and solution-focused outlook, who has the ability to engage meaningfully and build relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Previous experience in residential, mental health, youth, probation, or family services would align well with the support that we provide. Equally transferable experience such as working in a pupil referral unit, an EBD school, or direct work with individuals such as personal training would also align well to our roles. Understanding what motivates our children and proactively engaging them in activities that promote healthy behaviours will set you up for success. We are dedicated to providing consistent care and building effective relationships, not just with our children and young people, but with each other and with our partner organisations and colleagues who support us with our work. 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. Gaining this qualification will unlock opportunities for you to progress to a Senior Residential Worker, starting at £32,512 PA Shortlisting 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. 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. You 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. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long-term health condition. Working in our homes represents a unique opportunity to support our children and young people with their everyday lives. To do this safely you will be asked to tell us about any allergies you have that may need to be reasonably managed to ensure your safety and wellbeing with minimal impact to the children and young people we care for. 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 in person at the home. 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. 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr