Child & Youth Support Worker ( Waking Nights)

Paragon Social Care; Houghton-le-Spring; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free safeguarding & training

Career progression opportunities

Flexible shift patterns

Company pension

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Paragon Social Care is seeking a dedicated Children’s Support Worker to provide stable, caring support to young people in care. You’ll help with daily routines, meals, and community activities, building trust and promoting independence.

A full UK driving licence and access to your own car are preferred. An enhanced DBS check is required, and safeguarding the welfare of young people is a priority throughout the role.

Qualifications

• Reliable, patient, and genuinely care about making a difference.
• Full UK driving licence and access to own car is required.
• Willingness to complete an enhanced DBS check and safeguarding commitment.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent care to young people in need.
• Help build trust and normality in daily life.
• Support learning, independence, and daily life skills.

Skills

Reliability

Patience

Caring attitude

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Residential Care

Job description

Do you want to play a meaningful role in a young person’s life?

At Paragon Social Care, we’re looking for caring, steady individuals to join us as Children’s Support Workers.

Who we are

Our vision is simple: Excellence Through Understanding.

We support children and young people in care around the clock, especially during times of change and uncertainty. Our goal is to provide a safe, stable place where they can feel secure and start to rebuild. We help them move forward with confidence, ready for whatever comes next.

We believe every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and hopeful, and you could be part of making that a reality.

What you’ll do

In this role, you will:

• Offer thoughtful, consistent care to young people who need it most
• Build trust and create a sense of normality in daily life
• Support learning, independence, and everyday life skills
• Prepare meals and encourage healthy habits
• Speak up for young people and make sure they are listened to
• Help them attend appointments and take part in community activities

This is work that matters. The small, everyday things you do can have a lasting impact on a young person’s future.

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.

What we’re looking for :

We’re searching for people who are reliable, patient, and genuinely care about making a difference. You don’t need to have done this exact job before.

To join the team, you’ll need:

• A full UK driving licence and access to your own car
• The ability to stay calm, understanding, and steady, even in challenging situations.
• Flexibility to work a range of shifts.
• A clear enhanced DBS check, or willingness to complete one
• A qualification like an NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Residential Care is helpful, but it’s not essential. What matters most is your attitude and commitment—we’ll support you to learn and develop as you go.

What you’ll get :

We make sure the people who do this important work feel supported, valued, and able to grow.

• Alongside competitive pay, you’ll have access to a wide range of free training to help you build your skills and confidence. This includes online learning as well as face-to-face sessions covering safeguarding, understanding behaviour, and supporting young people through difficult experiences.
• There are real opportunities to progress, with clear pathways into senior roles and beyond.
• You’ll also benefit from a supportive working environment, flexible shift patterns, a relaxed dress code, a company pension, and referral bonuses.

Pay

£17.50ph - £24.00ph PAYE Rate (including holiday pay)

£20.00ph - £28.00ph Umbrella Rate

This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check due to working with vulnerable young people.

This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all shortlisted candidates must disclose any convictions or cautions that are not protected under current filtering legislation.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory safer recruitment checks which includes an Enhanced DBS Check.