Waking Night Support Worker

Caretech; Greater London; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent care organization in Greater London is seeking a Waking Nights Support Worker to join their dedicated team. This role involves providing emotional reassurance and maintaining a calm presence for vulnerable children through the night. Candidates should have a natural empathy for children and excellent communication skills. Competitive salary, qualifications support, and professional development opportunities are offered. Apply to help children sleep safely and wake up stronger.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Fully funded qualifications

24/7 employee wellbeing support

Career progression opportunities

Paid holiday

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role or within a residential childcare setting is desirable.
• Understanding of professional boundaries and resilience in emotionally charged situations is crucial.
• Willingness to work independently throughout the night.

Responsibilities

• Provide emotional reassurance and a consistent presence throughout the night.
• Monitor the wellbeing of the children and address any issues during the night.
• Complete documentation including logs, reports, and handovers.

Skills

Empathy for children and young people

Ability to remain calm in challenging situations

Excellent written communication skills

Education

NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (desired)

Job description

Make a lasting impact - one quiet night at a time. Are you a calm, compassionate, and resilient individual looking to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people? We are seeking a Waking Nights Support Worker to join our dedicated team at our Children’s Residential Home. This role is crucial in providing safety, stability, and emotional reassurance through the night. As part of a therapeutic and trauma‑informed environment, you'll play a vital role in ensuring the children in our care feel safe, secure, and supported—even while the rest of the world sleeps.

About Us

Our residential home provides a nurturing and structured environment for children and young people aged [Insert Age Range] who have experienced trauma, neglect, or significant challenges in their early lives. We work closely with social workers, therapists, and educational professionals to offer a holistic and child‑centred care approach.

About the Role

As a Waking Nights Support Worker, you will provide continual emotional reassurance and maintain a calm, consistent presence throughout the night. Your duties include monitoring the wellbeing of the children and responding promptly to any distress, incidents, or needs that arise during the night. You will complete thorough and accurate documentation—including logs, safeguarding reports, and handovers to the day team—support bedtime and morning routines (such as waking the children, preparing breakfast, and assisting with personal care if needed), conduct regular checks around the home to ensure it remains safe, secure, and peaceful, and help maintain a therapeutic and stable atmosphere in line with the home’s care plans and behavioural strategies. This role is waking, not sleeping; you will be awake and alert throughout the shift to provide full supervision and support.

Responsibilities

• Provide emotional reassurance and a calm, consistent presence throughout the night.
• Monitor the wellbeing of the children and respond to any distress, incidents, or needs during the night.
• Complete thorough and accurate documentation, including logs, safeguarding reports, and handovers to the day team.
• Support bedtime and morning routines, including waking the children, preparing breakfast, and assisting with personal care if needed.
• Conduct regular checks around the home to ensure it remains safe, secure, and peaceful.
• Help maintain a therapeutic and stable atmosphere in line with the home’s care plans and behavioural strategies.

About You

• Has a natural empathy for children and young people.
• Can remain calm and responsive in emotionally charged or challenging situations.
• Is reliable, resilient, and understands the importance of professional boundaries.
• Can work independently throughout the night while remaining part of a supportive team.
• Has excellent written communication skills for clear and effective reporting.
• Is flexible and committed to the needs of the home and its residents.
• Desirable: Experience in a similar role or within a residential childcare setting.
• Desirable: NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards it).
• Desirable: Knowledge of safeguarding, trauma‑informed practice, and behaviour management techniques.

What We Offer

Competitive salary with additional enhancements for night shifts and bank holidays. Fully funded qualifications and continuous professional development. 24/7 employee wellbeing support. A supportive, inclusive team culture. Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation. Paid holiday, pension scheme, and other employee benefits.

Join us and become a trusted guardian in the quiet hours—helping children sleep safely, dream freely, and wake up stronger.