Waking Nights - Children's Home

Sgscare; Oldham; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The Waking Nights Support Worker role is based in Oldham at a new solo children’s home, opening from day one to support a young person with complex needs within a therapeutic framework. You’ll be part of a small, stable team delivering 4x10-hour nights on a rolling rota and ensuring a calm, safe overnight environment.

Responsibilities include regular checks, accurate record-keeping, and seamless handovers with the day team, while safeguarding and professional boundaries are maintained throughout

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people in care, education, or support roles.
• Ability to work night shifts and maintain calm, professional demeanor.
• Strong safeguarding awareness and boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the home is safe, secure, and well-managed overnight.
• Carry out regular checks and monitoring.
• Maintain clear and accurate records.
• Be available to support the young person during the night as required.
• Contribute to structured handovers with the day team.

Skills

Experience in care/support settings

Night shift capability

Safeguarding awareness

Education

Willingness to pursue relevant qualification

Job description

Waking Nights Support Worker – Children’s Home

Location: Oldham, OL3
Salary: £30,160 per annum
Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week (Waking Nights – 4 × 10-hour shifts on a rolling rota)
Service: Ofsted-regulated solo children’s home (Therapeutic – DDP & PACE led)
Service Users: Solo placement supporting a young person with complex needs
Qualifications Required: Not required on entry | Must be willing to work towards a relevant qualification
Experience Required: Experience supporting children or young people in care, education, or support settings

Salary Breakdown

Hourly Rate: £14.50
Base Salary (40 hours): £30,160

A Different Kind of Role

Night work in children’s residential care requires a specific mindset.

You will be responsible for maintaining a calm, safe, and stable environment during the most vulnerable hours of the day. While nights are often quiet, the role requires vigilance, emotional awareness, and the ability to respond appropriately if the young person requires support.

This is a role where consistency and reliability are critical, helping to ensure the young person feels secure at all times.

The Setting

Our client is opening a new solo children’s home in Saddleworth (Oldham, OL3).

This is a from-day-one opportunity to join a small, stable team supporting one young person.

The home operates as a therapeutic service, led by:

• DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy) principles

• PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) approach

The solo placement model allows for:

• Focused, 1:1 support

• A calm and structured environment

• Consistent, relationship-based care

The Role

As a Waking Nights Support Worker, you will:

• Ensure the home remains safe, secure, and well-managed overnight

• Carry out regular checks and monitoring

• Maintain clear and accurate records

• Be available to support the young person if required during the night

• Contribute to structured handovers with the day team

This role suits individuals who are calm, observant, and able to work independently while maintaining high professional standards.

Clinical Support for Staff

This service places a clear emphasis on staff wellbeing and reflective practice.

You will have access to:

• A dedicated adult psychotherapist

• Fortnightly sessions for the staff team

• Space for reflection and professional development

What This Role Requires

• A calm, reliable, and consistent approach

• Strong safeguarding awareness

• Ability to work independently during night shifts

• Clear professional boundaries

• Willingness to work within a therapeutic framework (DDP & PACE)

Why Consider This Role

• Join a new home from the outset

• Be part of a small, consistent team

• Work within a structured and well-supported environment

• Strong focus on safety, stability, and staff wellbeing

• Opportunity to contribute to a therapeutic care model

Important Information

Sponsorship is not available.

Do not apply for this role if any of the following apply to you:

• You do not hold a Full UK Driving Licence and do not have access to a car

• You only hold a Level 3 in Health & Social Care (not considered equivalent)

• You have only worked in Healthcare, NHS, CQC, or Nursery settings

• You require sponsorship or are currently on a visa