Job Description

We are looking for a Waking Nights Children’s Support Worker to join our team in Crook, Durham. You will support vulnerable youth in a specialist residential home.

Working through the night, you will help maintain a safe, secure and reassuring environment while the young people sleep. You will stay awake and vigilant, complete regular welfare checks, respond to any concerns or incidents, and offer support and reassurance if a young person wakes or is struggling.

This role suits someone who is observant, patient and able to work independently while maintaining high standards of care and safeguarding.

The role

You will provide continuous overnight supervision and support within the home. Your priority is the safety, welfare and wellbeing of the young people throughout the night, offering a calm and reassuring presence if they wake or experience difficulties.

Key responsibilities

• Provide attentive, consistent overnight support to children and young people, including those with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD)
• Remain awake, alert and vigilant throughout the entire waking-night shift
• Carry out regular welfare checks in line with individual care plans and risk assessments
• Monitor the wellbeing of the young people and identify any changes, concerns or potential risks
• Respond calmly and professionally when a young person wakes, becomes distressed or needs support
• Follow individual care plans, risk assessments and agreed support strategies
• Recognise, respond to and report safeguarding concerns, incidents and emergencies in line with our policies and procedures
• Maintain professional boundaries and use positive, relationship-based approaches
• Carry out security, fire safety and other overnight checks
• Keep the home safe, secure, clean and welcoming
• Complete accurate night reports, daily records and incident documentation, including welfare checks and significant events
• Give a thorough handover to the incoming day team and share important information with colleagues, managers and relevant professionals
• Carry out light household duties during quieter periods and help prepare the home for the morning routine
• Work in line with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards and our organisational policies

Requirements

About you

You do not need previous waking-nights experience. We are interested in people with the right experience, attitude and approach to provide high-quality overnight support. Relevant backgrounds include children’s residential care, children’s support work, youth work, social care, behaviour support, SEN or SEMH settings, foster care, supported accommodation and therapeutic support. Experience supporting children and young people with EBD is particularly relevant.

Essential

• Prior residential experience is a must
• The ability to remain awake, alert and attentive throughout overnight shifts
• A calm, patient, resilient and child-centred approach
• Strong observation skills and the ability to recognise changes in behaviour or wellbeing
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• An understanding of safeguarding, child protection and professional boundaries
• The ability to respond appropriately to challenging or unexpected situations
• Good written record-keeping and reporting skills
• The ability to work independently and as part of a wider team
• The right to work in the UK

Desirable

• Experience of working with children or young people, ideally in residential childcare
• A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent, or a willingness to work towards it

Most importantly, you should genuinely care about the wellbeing of the young people you support. Overnight care requires consistency, patience, good judgement and the ability to offer reassurance, even in challenging moments.

Hours and rota

• Full-time, residential waking-night position
• 35 hours per week
• Four nights on, four nights off
• 12-hour shifts, awake and actively working throughout
• Flexibility to meet the needs of the home and the young people
• Occasional rota changes where needed to maintain continuity of care

Although the young people may be asleep for much of the night, you will remain present, vigilant and ready to respond whenever support is needed.

Starting with us

New starters begin with three to four day shifts before moving onto full-time nights. This helps you get to know the home, the vulnerable person and the team.

Benefits

• Paid training
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Company pension
• Free on-site parking
• Casual dress
• Opportunities for career progression
• A supportive and inclusive working environment
• The chance to build meaningful relationships with children and young people and develop valuable experience in specialist residential childcare