Waking Night Residential Childcare Support Worker

Area Camden; Hartest; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive induction and training

Progression opportunities

Rotational night shifts

Annual leave growth up to 272 hours

Pension scheme

Job summary

Area Camden is recruiting a Waking Night Support Worker to provide overnight care in a residential setting for young people. The role focuses on safety, wellbeing, and supporting individual bedtime routines in a structured night shift.

It requires a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) and a strong commitment to safeguarding, with comprehensive training provided. The position offers a clear progression path and fully funded qualifications where needed.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Demonstrates safeguarding knowledge and appropriate child protection understanding.
• Experience or readiness to work night shifts and in residential settings.

Responsibilities

• Stay awake and alert for the full night shift.
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of each child during the night.
• Offer empathy and support when young people need reassurance.
• Support bedtime routines and occasional activities.
• Keep accurate computer-based records.

Skills

Safeguarding

Teamwork

Communication

Organization

Record keeping

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)

Job description

Company: Area Camden

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Haverhill, Suffolk

Salary: Up to £31,867.18 per annum (dependent on qualifications)

Qualified Rate: Applies to those with a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)

Hours: 20:00-08:00 (12‑hour waking night shifts)

About Area Camden

Area Camden, part of the Polaris Community, provides high‑quality, consistent care to help young people achieve their goals. Our staff are carefully trained to ensure a safe and stable night‑time environment, with safeguarding at the heart of everything we do.

We work closely with families and professionals to ensure each young person's needs are met.

We're now hiring a Waking Night Support Worker to help provide a safe, nurturing residential setting that supports children's physical, emotional, and social development.

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction and mandatory training
• Clear progression and development opportunities
• Rotational night‑shift rota (20:00-08:00):
• Week 1: Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun - 48 hours
• Week 2: Wed, Thu, Fri - 36 hours
• Minimum 168 hours per month
• 236 hours annual leave
• Annual leave increases by 12 hours per year for 3 years (up to 272 hours)
• Pension scheme (after qualifying period)
• Fully funded required qualifications if not already held

Duties And Responsibilities

• Stay awake and alert for the full night shift
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of each child throughout the night
• Offer empathy and support when young people need reassurance
• Support personalised bedtime routines and occasional activities
• Keep accurate computer‑based records
• Follow the Philomena protocol when reporting a missing child
• Communicate effectively with out‑of‑hours services and handle calls professionally
• Follow Area Camden policies and be a positive role model for children and colleagues
• Contribute to the home's ethos and adapt to the needs of the young people

Essential Skills Required

• Strong teamwork, energy, and enthusiasm
• Understanding of safeguarding children
• Ability to follow tasks and record detailed handovers
• Able to maintain policies and procedures
• Good written and verbal communication
• Ability to listen, engage, and act appropriately with children
• Organised, with good planning skills
• Willing to work toward a relevant Level 3 qualification (if not already held)

Area Camden is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.