Full Job Description
Role: Residential Childcare Support Worker
Location: Guildford, Surrey
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Starting Salary: £27,929.36 (up to £29,609.36 with sleep-in shifts)
Salary After Probation: £29,088.80 (up to £30,768.80 with sleep-in shifts)
Hours: 40 hours per week, shift pattern
About Us
Apple Orchard operates five homes in Surrey and West Sussex, each set in a rural location and providing a comfortable, homely environment for young males aged 13 to 18 years. We currently have openings for experienced Residential Childcare Support Workers and welcome applications from those passionate about making a positive difference to young people. Training and qualifications will be provided where needed.
We aim to help young people develop insight into their experiences and move forward from traumatic pasts. Our support is built on safe boundaries, achievable goals, and positive reinforcement strategies such as reward charts and structured free time. Central to our work is a nurturing approach that ensures all basic needs are met while fostering supportive relationships and positive attachments.
Key Responsibilities
- Create a caring and motivating environment that meets the developmental needs of young people and helps them reach their potential.
- Plan and deliver activities that stimulate learning and encourage integration within the home.
- Stay up to date with legislation, policies, and guidelines to ensure compliance with the Children’s Act, children’s homes regulations, national minimum standards, and Ofsted guidance.
- Observe, assess, and record young people’s progress, achievements, and behaviour, keeping accurate and clear records including life books for key children.
- Work closely with local authorities and placing authorities to ensure outstanding care.
- Build positive relationships with parents and carers to support learning and development.
- Assist with household tasks including cooking, cleaning, and shopping when required.
- Collaborate with the Manager and staff team to maintain the home’s philosophy and ethos.
- Maintain accurate and professional records that are clear, factual, and respectful.
Essential Skills and Requirements
- Previous experience working with teenage boys or challenging behaviour.
- A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle (public transport is not a viable option due to rural locations).
- Relevant qualifications such as Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner Diploma, Children and Young People’s Workforce, or NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, or willingness to work toward one.
- Flexibility to work a mixture of days, evenings, and weekends (shift-based role with every other weekend off).
- Ability to engage young people in varied activities and support them toward independence and adulthood.
- Strong teamwork skills, able to follow delegated tasks and handovers.
- Confidence to challenge unacceptable behaviour while providing firm but caring boundaries.
- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Good listening skills and the ability to engage with young people.
- Commitment to following policies and safeguarding procedures.
Benefits
- Company pension scheme
- £35 per sleep-in (approximately one per week, 48 weeks per year)
- Employee discount scheme through Exchange Provision
- Access to wellbeing programmes
- Promotion opportunities within the organisation
- Fully funded training for recognised qualifications
If you are committed to creating a caring and stimulating environment that offers young people meaningful opportunities and life experiences, we would love to hear from you.
Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £27,929.36 to £30,768.80 per year
Work Location: In person
