Waking Night Team Leader (Children's Residential Home)

SuperCare Residential; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A residential care provider in Eastbourne is seeking a Waking Night Team Leader to guide and support staff during challenging night shifts. You will lead by example, responding to the needs of children with Autism and ADHD while ensuring safety and wellbeing. The ideal candidate has at least 3 years' experience in learning disability support, a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, and strong communication skills for effective leadership.

Qualifications

• Must have at least 3 years experience with learning disability support in a residential children’s home.
• Must have a level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Experience supporting individuals with additional needs like Autism and ADHD.
• Skilled in autism and non-verbal communication methods.
• Experience working waking nights in a residential setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the night shift, ensuring staff follow care plans consistently.
• Oversee personal care, continence support, and medication administration.
• Model calm, trauma-informed responses to challenging behaviors.
• Support Night Coaches during incidents.
• Maintain accurate records and detailed handovers.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Empathy

Experience with Autism and ADHD

Non-verbal communication methods (PECS, Makaton)

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

A Waking Night Team Leader at SuperCare provides steady guidance during the quietest but often most unpredictable hours of the day. The children in this residential home live with additional needs such as Autism, ADHD, severe learning disabilities, and complex communication needs. While nights can bring moments of calm, they can also bring sudden challenges - a child waking distressed, needing help with toileting, or expressing themselves through biting, grabbing, or spitting. You'll be the person who ensures your team responds with patience, dignity, and consistency. As the senior presence on shift, you'll lead by example. When the team needs direction, you'll be the one they turn to. When a child wakes confused or unsettled, you'll guide staff through compassionate, low‑arousal strategies that keep everyone safe and supported.

Responsibilities

• Lead the night shift, ensuring staff follow care plans and routines with consistency.
• Provide and oversee personal care, continence support, and medication administration.
• Model calm, trauma‑informed responses to behaviours that challenge.
• Support Night Coaches (Residential Support Workers) to feel confident and capable during incidents.
• Maintain accurate records, safeguarding vigilance, and detailed handovers.
• Hold the balance between practical leadership and compassionate presence.

Qualifications

• Must have at least 3 years with learning disability support in a residential children’s home.
• Must have a level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Strong experience supporting individuals with additional needs such as Autism, ADHD, Epilepsy and learning disabilities.
• Skilled in autism, ADHD, and non‑verbal communication methods like PECS or Makaton.
• Calm under pressure, consistent in approach, and empathetic in your leadership.
• To transport the young people in and out of the community this role requires adults with a Full UK Driving Licence.
• Must have experience working waking nights in a residential setting.