The Role – Residential Support Worker
Are you a caring, enthusiastic and resilient person who wants to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people?
We are looking for compassionate and dedicated Residential Support Workers to join a specialist residential care team on a permanent basis, supporting young people with complex learning disabilities, autism, significant social communication difficulties and behavioural needs.
Working within residential houses on a specialist school site, you will support young people outside of the school day, including evenings, weekends and school holidays. Your role will be about much more than providing care – you will help young people develop confidence, discover new interests, build independence and gain the essential life skills they need to prepare for adulthood.
Working alongside teachers, therapists and other professionals, you will help monitor individual progress and provide consistent, person-centred support.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting young people with personal care and daily routines.
- Encouraging independence through meal planning and preparation.
- Developing practical skills, including shopping and managing money.
- Supporting hobbies, interests and recreational activities.
- Accompanying young people on trips and activities both on and off site.
- Helping young people build confidence, communication and everyday life skills.
School holidays are an especially exciting time, with opportunities to support fully supervised trips and activities, including beach visits, safari parks, adventure parks, meals out, inclusive cycling sessions and trampoline parks.
Full Training, Support and Development
What matters most is your attitude, compassion and willingness to learn.
You will receive a comprehensive induction, ongoing mentoring and professional development, supported by an experienced management team.
Training will include safeguarding, autism awareness and positive behaviour support, giving you the knowledge and confidence to:
- Establish clear boundaries and provide meaningful choices.
- Encourage positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
- Understand individual needs and communication styles.
- Use safe and effective physical intervention when required.
You will also receive Team Teach positive behaviour support training as part of your week-long induction, with annual refresher training and ongoing guidance from experienced on-site tutors.
Who We Are Looking For
We are interested in people who genuinely want to make a difference and are willing to develop the skills needed to support young people with complex needs.
You will bring:
- A naturally caring, empathetic and compassionate approach.
- Enthusiasm, patience and a positive attitude.
- Strong mental, physical and emotional resilience.
- The ability to remain calm and consistent in challenging situations.
- A genuine commitment to helping young people develop and achieve their potential.
You must be comfortable providing personal care, following full training, as some young people require assistance to maintain their personal hygiene and comfort.
Previous experience in care, education, support work or working with young people would be beneficial, but is not essential.
Career Progression – Your Future Starts Here
This is an opportunity to build a rewarding long-term career, with a clear pathway for development.
Following two years within the residential care team, and successful completion of a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, you will have the opportunity to progress with salary increase.
You will be supported throughout your development, with regular management guidance, appraisals and access to funded training opportunities.
Working Hours
- 37 hours per week.
- Shift-based working pattern, including weekends.
- Occasional sleep-in duties may be required, paid at the appropriate rate.
Benefits and Rewards
Alongside a rewarding role and excellent career development opportunities, you will receive:
- 33 days’ holiday including paid public holidays.
- £1,000 retention bonus, paid in stages: £250 after one month, £250 after one year and £500 after 18 months.
- Life insurance and a medical cash plan, commencing after one month.
- Comprehensive physical intervention and deescalation training.
- Personalised professional development, including organisation-funded training courses.
- Regular one-to-one management support and online appraisals.
- Meals provided whilst on shift.
- Ample free on-site parking.
- Confidential 24/7 Employee Assistance Service, including well being and counselling support for you and your family.
- Access to Adult Mental Health First Aiders and Occupational Health support.
- Discounts on fitness classes with Surrey Fitness Camps and Go Fest Active Studio.
- The opportunity to work within a beautiful 23-acre semi-rural setting on the edge of the Surrey Hills.
Please note that due to the location, having your own transport is desirable.
