At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in a nurturing environment, helping them feel safe and valued.
- Company: Apple Orchard, dedicated to creating therapeutic homes for children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, sleep-in allowances, and fully funded qualifications.
- Other info: Structured training and clear pathways for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping children and willingness to learn; experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 17222 - 30803 £ per year.
Contract: Part Time, Permanent
Specific Hours: 20 hours per week - shift pattern
Salary: Up to £17,222.40 pro rata, including sleep-in shifts, dependent on performance and experience (up to £30,803.97 FTE)
Competitive salary and sleep-in allowances (£35 per night, typically one per week)
Fully funded qualifications and professional development
Clear promotion pathways and career progression
Company pension
Access to employee discount and wellbeing programmes
Do you want a role where every day you can help a child feel safe, supported and more hopeful about their future? At Apple Orchard, our Residential Support Workers play a vital role in creating calm, caring and therapeutic homes for children who have experienced trauma, disruption or difficult life experiences.
You do not need to have worked in residential childcare before; if you bring the right values, attitude and willingness to learn, we will provide a full induction, hands-on support, ongoing training and the development you need to build confidence and succeed in the role.
- Competitive salary with regular sleep-in payments
- A healthy work-life balance, including every other weekend off
- Full induction, ongoing training, regular supervision and fully funded qualifications
- Clear career progression, including routes into senior and leadership roles
- Company pension, employee discounts and wellbeing support
- Practical support to complete your Level 3 qualification and develop your confidence in therapeutic residential care
Training and Support From Day One
We know that starting a role in residential childcare can feel like a big step, especially if you are new to children's homes. That is why we provide structured training, regular supervision and practical support from experienced managers and colleagues. You will be supported to understand each child's needs, use therapeutic approaches confidently, follow safeguarding procedures and develop the skills needed to progress in your career.
Apple Orchard runs five residential children's homes across Surrey and West Sussex, providing calm, therapeutic environments for boys aged 12-18. Many of the children we support have experienced trauma or disruption, and our homes are designed to help them feel safe, build trust and develop the confidence they need for the future.
This is a role where small moments matter - from helping a child manage a difficult day to celebrating progress, building confidence and supporting them towards greater independence.
As a Residential Support Worker, you will be a trusted adult in the daily lives of the children we care for. You will support them with routines, relationships, education, activities and emotional wellbeing, while helping to create a safe and positive home environment.
- Create a safe, nurturing and supportive home environment where children feel valued
- Use calm, therapeutic and consistent approaches to support children through difficult moments
- Work closely with colleagues, managers, families, local authorities and other professionals to maintain high standards of care
- A genuine passion for making a positive difference in children's lives
- Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends and sleep-ins
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, due to the rural location of some homes
- Experience working with children, care, education, youth work, mental health, residential services or similar settings
- Level 3 Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner/Health & Social Care qualification, or willingness to work towards it
- Confidence following procedures, writing reports and contributing to care plans
If you are compassionate, reliable and ready to help children feel safe, supported and able to achieve their potential, we would love to hear from you.
The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Locations
Residential Support Worker (Full Time / Part Time) in Surrey, Woking employer: Apple Orchard
At Apple Orchard, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for both our staff and the children in our care. With competitive salaries, fully funded qualifications, and clear pathways for career progression, we ensure that our Residential Support Workers receive the support and training they need from day one. Our commitment to employee wellbeing, including access to discounts and a company pension, alongside a healthy work-life balance, makes us a rewarding place to work in the heart of Surrey and West Sussex.
