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- Tasks: Support children in residential homes, creating a nurturing and fun environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on making a difference in children's lives across Surrey.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, lifestyle discounts, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your career in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must be 22+, hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, and have relevant experience.
- Other info: Opportunities for ongoing learning and relocation bonuses available.
The predicted salary is between 32512 - 36400 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Senior Children\’s Residential Worker role at Surrey County Council
The starting salary is £33,552 per annum based on a 36‑hour week plus enhanced rates of pay for occasional weekends, bank holidays and sleep‑in duties.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days’ holiday (prorated for part‑time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years’ service and 31 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 dependants leave
- A generous local government salary‑related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Relocation bonus of up to £8,000
- Refer a friend payment of £750 as a thank you for finding the right residential worker
We have opportunities to join our homes located across Surrey in Guildford, Woking, Redhill, and Walton on Thames.
Our Senior Residential Workers turn our Residential Houses into 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 deserve.
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 Senior 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, 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 provide you with opportunities for ongoing learning and development through a culture of high support that enables you to grow your career within our Residential service at Surrey.
So, if you think you have what it takes, can match our energy to be exceptional, and are ready to expand your experience with us at Surrey we (and our children) really want to hear from you.
Application 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 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.
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.
To be considered for our Senior Residential Worker role you will need to hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (Residential Worker) or equivalent and have some experience of direct work with children or vulnerable groups.
If you don’t currently hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare then please consider applying as a Residential Support Worker first and we can support you with the rest!
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. If you have any questions about these roles please contact Sarah Muzzall via email at residentialrecruitment@surreycc.gov.uk.
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 will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis so feel free to submit an application as soon as you wish, and we will come back to you as quickly as possible.
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. You can find out more about what information you will be asked to provide HERE.
Our Behaviours
The Surrey Way behaviours are a guide that supports our council to work together effectively and deliver our best for our customers and communities, and for each other. Discover more about our behaviours.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two‑tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1 April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Our Commitment
We are a disability‑confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
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Senior Children\'s Residential Worker employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Children\'s Residential Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by children in residential care. Understanding their needs and behaviours will help you articulate your motivation for applying and demonstrate your empathy during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to handle challenging situations. Think about times when you successfully managed difficult behaviour or built strong relationships with vulnerable individuals.
✨Tip Number 3
Research our organisation's values and mission. Being able to discuss how your personal values align with ours will show your commitment to creating a nurturing environment for the children in our care.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees if possible. They can provide insights into the role and the work culture, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview and answering questions.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Children\'s Residential Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role of a Senior Children's Residential Worker. Focus on any direct work with children or vulnerable groups, and include specific examples of your achievements in similar roles.
Answer the Application Questions Thoughtfully: Take your time to answer the application questions thoroughly. Reflect on what motivated you to apply, your relevant experience, and the qualities that make you a good fit for the role. Use specific examples to illustrate your points, especially when discussing how you would handle challenging behaviour.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise soft skills such as empathy, resilience, and communication. These are crucial for a role that involves working with children in challenging situations. Explain why these qualities are important in your answers.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your answers are clear and concise. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Show Your Passion for the Role
Make sure to express why you are motivated to apply for the Senior Children's Residential Worker position. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your passion for working with children and how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
When discussing your experience, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your skills in handling challenging behaviours and building relationships with children. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Emphasise Key Qualities
Identify three key qualities that make you a suitable candidate for this role, such as empathy, resilience, and teamwork. Explain why these qualities are essential in a residential setting and how they will help you support the children effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific situations involving challenging behaviour. Think of relevant examples from your past experiences and be prepared to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.
