Job Description

Children’s Residential Support Worker – Waking Nights

📍 Crook, County Durham, UK

We are seeking a committed and compassionate Children’s Residential Support Worker (Waking Nights) to join our team, supporting young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties within a specialist residential setting.

This is a rewarding opportunity to provide consistent overnight care, ensuring a safe, secure and nurturing environment while making a meaningful difference in a young person’s life.

About the Role

Based within a residential home, you will play a vital role in maintaining their safety and wellbeing throughout the night. You will remain awake and alert during your shift, providing emotional reassurance, responding to any concerns, and ensuring the home remains safe and secure.

You will also contribute to the wider care team, supporting care plans and maintaining high standards of care in line with regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care and support to a young person overnight
• Remain awake and vigilant throughout the shift to ensure safety and wellbeing
• Carry out regular welfare checks in line with care plans and risk assessments
• Respond appropriately to incidents, disturbances or emergencies
• Offer emotional support and reassurance during the night
• Promote positive behaviour and provide consistent boundaries
• Maintain accurate records and complete handovers for day staff
• Ensure the home is safe and secure, including conducting security and fire safety checks
• Complete light household duties to maintain a clean and homely environment
• Support morning routines where required
• Work collaboratively as part of a team to deliver high standards of care

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working with children or young people (residential care desirable)
• A calm, patient and resilient approach
• Ability to work independently and remain alert during night shifts
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection
• Good communication and record-keeping skills
• A team-focused and proactive attitude
• Full UK driving licence (desirable)

Working Hours & Conditions

• Waking night shifts on a rota basis, including weekends and bank holidays
• Flexibility required to meet the needs of the service
• Participation in sleep-ins and on-call rota may be required
• Occasional rota changes to ensure service continuity

What We Offer

• A supportive and inclusive team environment
• Ongoing training and professional development
• The opportunity to make a real difference in a young person’s life
• Career progression within a growing organisation

Additional Information

This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check due to working with vulnerable young people. Safeguarding and promoting their welfare is a priority, and all applicants must share this commitment.

If you are dedicated, reliable and passionate about supporting young people, we would love to hear from you.