Children's Residential Support Workers - Epsom & Walton
This role has a salary scale of £27,897 - £30,048 per annum based on a 36-hour week. Additional payments for occasional weekend and bank holiday working and sleep in duties are applicable.
About our residential services in Surrey:
It's an exciting time to join Surrey as a Residential Support Worker as we bring our new purpose built Children's residential homes in Epsom and Walton on Thames to provide a warm welcome to our first children and young people through the doors. Our homes are nestled within vibrant communities, well-connected by convenient transportation links, and conveniently located near the outskirts of London.
As we embark on this new chapter, we are eager to build our teams for each home. By joining us, you will have the unique opportunity to be part of our journey right from the start. Together, we will shape the way the homes operate and establish a nurturing and secure environment from day one. Who knows, you might even catch a whiff of the fresh paint!
About the role:
We truly understand that being a Residential Support Worker requires a special kind of person. Each day brings unique experiences, filled with both highs and lows, as you become a part of the children and young people's lives, much like you would with your own family and friends.
As a Residential Support Worker in one of our new homes, you'll have a wide range of responsibilities that contribute to the growth and development of our children and young people. Some of the typical activities you'll be involved in include:
- Nurturing our children and young people's confidence and independence by assisting them with everyday tasks. Whether it's teaching them how to run a load of laundry or accomplish other daily activities, you'll play a crucial role in helping them thrive.
- Establishing structure, boundaries, and a sense of belonging. Your guidance and support will ensure that our children and young people understand clear expectations and embrace accountability in their actions.
- Creating a safe and comfortable space for meaningful engagement and building relationships. You might become that significant person in a child or young person's life, helping them make the right choices and keeping them safe. Your ability to demonstrate trust and connection will be key.
- Providing opportunities to create lasting memories. This involves engaging our children and young people in a variety of activities, such as outings or sharing your own passions and hobbies. We believe that fun and adventure should be an essential part of their lives!
What we're looking for:
We want to emphasize that while previous experience in a residential setting would be beneficial, it is not a requirement. We believe that you may possess transferable skills acquired from working in an educational background or caring for a family member just a couple of examples. What matters most to us is finding individuals who can showcase the following skills and attributes:
- A flexible and adaptable attitude: Every day brings new surprises, and we value individuals who can easily adapt to unexpected situations with a positive outlook.
- A commitment to providing high-quality care: We are looking for individuals who genuinely care about the emotional and developmental well-being of children and young people. Your dedication to delivering exceptional care is crucial to their growth.
- An open-minded and patient approach: Working with others requires patience and understanding. We value individuals who can embrace different perspectives and maintain a calm and patient demeanor when faced with challenges.
- Collaborative teamwork: Being part of a home team is essential, and we also appreciate your ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues from other services when needed to provide the best support possible.
- Clear communication skills: Effective communication, both verbal and written, is vital. Your ability to express yourself clearly and appropriately will ensure smooth interactions and understanding among team members and the children and young people in your care.
- A creative approach: We encourage you to think outside the box and come up with innovative ways to engage and support each individual child or young person.
How we will support you:
Along with a dedicated and committed wider residential 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. Good quality supervision is available and this together with the right attitude and access to a full inhouse induction will allow you to start your career with Surrey with confidence.
So, if you are willing to learn then we are ready and waiting to invest in you, helping you to grow the skills needed to be an exceptional Residential Support Worker.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 29th November 2023.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applications 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.