Waking Night Support Worker

Lotus Recruitment Ltd; Hailsham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Lotus Recruitment Ltd in Hailsham, East Sussex is seeking a Waking Night Support Worker to care for children and young people aged 8–18 with SEMH needs and autism.

This full-time role involves 12-hour night shifts (9:30pm–9:30am) and requires safeguarding, mood support, and following tailored care plans to keep the home safe and supportive overnight.

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• - Right to work in the UK.
• - Enhanced DBS and satisfactory references.
• - Availability to work the required 12‑hour shift pattern.
• - Experience in residential care or related fields is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety, wellbeing and comfort of young people during the night.
• - Complete handovers with senior staff at shift start.
• - Carry out regular checks of the home and residents.
• - Maintain home cleanliness and safety.
• - Follow individual care and health plans.
• - Support night-time routines and emotional regulation.
• - Maintain records and report accurately.
• - Communicate concerns to senior staff.
• - Build positive relationships with young people.
• - Participate in training and development.

Skills

Patient

Calm demeanor

Reliability

Strong communicator

Safeguarding

Tools

Driving licence

Job description

Waking Night Support Worker

Location: Hailsham, East Sussex

Pay: £13.50 per hour

Hours: 40.5 or 48 hours per week

Annual Salary: £28,431 – £33,696

Shifts: 12-hour shifts, 9:30pm – 9:30am

Contract: Full-time

Lotus Recruitment is looking for compassionate, resilient and dependable Waking Night Support Workers to join a residential home supporting children and young people aged 8–18 with SEMH needs and autism.

This is a rewarding role for someone who wants to make a genuine difference to young people's lives by providing a safe, calm and supportive environment throughout the night.

The Role

As a Waking Night Support Worker, you will be responsible for ensuring the safety, wellbeing and comfort of the young people throughout the night.

• Completing thorough handovers with senior staff at the beginning of your shift and being aware of any medical, behavioural or other concerns.
• Maintaining a vigilant presence throughout the night and carrying out regular checks of the home and young people.
• Ensuring the home remains safe, secure, clean and welcoming.
• Supporting young people with their individual needs and following their care and health plans.
• Supporting young people who may experience difficulties with sleep, anxiety or emotional regulation.
• Following individualised plans for young people with specific needs, including enuresis.
• Maintaining accurate records and completing relevant reports.
• Communicating any concerns or incidents appropriately to senior staff.
• Maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information professionally.
• Building positive, respectful relationships with young people.
• Promoting positive behaviour and encouraging independence.
• Working effectively as part of a wider staff team.
• Taking part in relevant training, meetings and professional development.
• Completing regular health, safety and security checks around the home.
• Keeping communal and social areas clean, tidy and safe.

About You

• Patient, calm and emotionally resilient
• Caring and compassionate
• Reliable and responsible
• Confident working independently during the night
• Able to respond appropriately to challenging situations
• A strong communicator
• Committed to safeguarding and the wellbeing of young people
• Comfortable supporting children and young people with SEMH needs and autism
• Able to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
• Willing to learn and undertake relevant training

Previous experience in residential care, children's services, education, youth work, mental health or support work would be beneficial, although transferable experience will be considered.

Requirements

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Right to work in the UK
• Sponsorship is not available for this position
• Availability to work the required 12‑hour shift pattern
• Enhanced DBS and satisfactory references will be required

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to become part of a supportive residential team where you can play an important role in helping young people feel safe, valued and supported.

If you are looking for a rewarding role where no two nights are necessarily the same and you want to make a positive difference to young people's lives, we would love to hear from you