Waking Night Residential Childcare Support Worker

Area Camden; Haverhill; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Induction training

Progression opportunities

Rotational night shifts

Monthly hours target 168

Annual leave 236 hours

Pension scheme

Fully funded qualifications

Job summary

Area Camden in Haverhill, Suffolk, is recruiting a Waking Night Support Worker to provide a safe, caring overnight environment for looked-after children. You will stay awake through 20:00–08:00 shifts, monitor wellbeing, and support individual bedtime routines in a residential setting.

The role requires safeguarding awareness and the ability to record details accurately, with training offered and a clear progression path.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) is required.
• Willing to work night shifts and stay alert during night shifts.
• Commitment to safeguarding and children's welfare.

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 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.

Skills

Teamwork

Safeguarding

Communication

Record keeping

Empathy

Listening

Organisation

Level 3 qualification target

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

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 childrenOrganised, 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.