Children's Residential Worker

Applewood is a welcoming, family-focused children's residential home based in Tadworth. We support children and young people aged 5–18 who may have a range of physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and additional needs. All children and young people have bespoke care packages designed around them as individuals. 

At Applewood, we pride ourselves on being a warm and inclusive place where children and young people can make friends, build confidence, and feel at home. We are looking for compassionate, motivated, and flexible Residential Support Workers to join our dedicated team. 

This is a full-time, permanent role with a starting salary of £30,647 per annum, based on a 36-hour week, plus enhanced rates of pay for weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in duties. We also welcome applications from those interested in part-time working as the role can be offered at 18 hours per week, with the salary adjusted on a pro rata basis. 

As a 24/7 service operating all year round, our roles work on a rota basis. Rotas are usually agreed four weeks in advance and may include a combination of early shifts (starting at 7am), late shifts (starting at 2pm), and sleep-ins. We'll talk through shift patterns and rotas during the recruitment process so you're clear on what to expect. 

Our Offer to You 

• 26 days' holiday, 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.
• A generous local government, salary-related pension.
• Up to 5 days of carers' leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year.
• Paternity, adoption, and dependants' leave.
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing.
• Access to a learning and development hub with a wide range of resources.
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts, including gym, travel, and shopping.
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
• Relocation bonus.
• Refer-a-friend payment of £750 as a thank you for finding the right Residential Worker.

About the Role 

As a Residential Support Worker, you will work closely with children and young people to support their daily lives, wellbeing, and development. You'll help create a safe and nurturing environment where they feel valued, listened to, and able to build friendships, while developing the skills that will support and prepare them for adulthood. 

You will: 

• Provide person-centred care tailored to each child or young person's individual needs.
• Support children and young people with personal and intimate care needs in a sensitive and respectful way.
• Enable children and young people to engage in meaningful activities, experiences, and opportunities, both at home and in the community.
• Work in partnership with parents, carers, and professionals, including our Children with
• Disabilities (CWD) social work teams and other council services.
  Act as an advocate for the children and young people you support, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
• Adapt confidently to changing and sometimes challenging situations, always keeping the child at the centre of your practice.
• Provide physical support and safe manual handling to meet children and young people's mobility and care needs.

About You 

We're looking for someone who: 

• Is flexible, adaptable, and calm, in a variety of situations, some of which may be challenging due to the complex needs of the children and young people we support.
• Brings energy, empathy, patience and a positive outlook to their work.
• Is committed to putting children and young people at the heart of everything they do.
• Is a team player, and able to work well as part of a supportive team.
• Has strong written and verbal communication skills and confidence working with families and professionals.

At Applewood, we value the right attitude, a willingness to learn, and a genuine passion for supporting others. If you have experience supporting young people, whether in education, special educational needs settings, youth work, or community roles- this experience would be highly transferable into the role and a future career with us.

Depending on the needs of the children and young people at any given time, you may work either within the main home or within our 'pod placement', which is a one-bed solo provision. Staff to children ratios will vary in line with the complexity and level of support required.