Waking Nights Support Worker

jobs24.co.uk; Dacorum; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Health and dental benefits

Discounts

Life assurance

Pension contribution

Professional development

Volunteer days

Family-friendly policies

Job summary

Peabody is seeking a Waking Nights Support Worker to care for young people aged 16-25 with high support needs in Berkhamsted. Your duties include safeguarding wellbeing, fostering positive relationships, and supporting residents toward independence during night hours (9pm–9:30am).

You will work a rolling 8-week rota with 4 nights on and 4 nights off, 40 hours per week, and be involved in safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and accurate reporting while maintaining a calm, safe environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable young people (16-25) in social housing, education, or charity sectors.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and trauma-informed care.
• Experience with complex needs, homelessness, mental health, or high-risk behaviours.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload, write clear reports, and manage time.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard wellbeing and support independence for residents during night shifts.
• Carry out building checks and address tenancy issues during waking nights.
• Respond to emergencies and de-escalate challenging situations.
• Maintain professional boundaries while engaging with residents.

Skills

Experience with vulnerable youngpeople

Complex needs awareness

Safeguarding knowledge

Time management

Report writing

Tools

IT skills

Job description

Berkhamsted 40 hours per week - (rolling 8 week rota with 4 nights on and 4 nights off working 12.5 hrs each night (9pm - 9.30am)

£27,976

Hours: Waking nights – 40 hours per week

Are you ready to make a difference in the quiet hours of the night?

We’re looking for a Waking Nights Support Worker to join us, supporting young people aged 16-25 who have high support needs.

In this role, you’ll be safeguarding wellbeing, encouraging positive relationships, and supporting each resident’s journey towards independence, all while ensuring the safety, calm, and security of our service overnight.

A Typical Night in the Role

Your shift will start with a handover from the day team before you prepare for the night ahead. You’ll carry out building checks to make sure the environment is safe, address tenancy issues like smoking or noise, and be available to respond to any emergencies. You may host activities like a film night to build community spirit, but you’ll also be prepared to de‑escalate challenging situations, offer emotional support, and ensure all residents feel safe.

What We’re Looking For

We want to hear from candidates who can demonstrate, through their application, how they meet the following criteria:

Background:

Experience working with vulnerable young people (16-25 years) in social housing, education, or the charity sector, with a focus on development and personal growth.

Complex Needs:

Professional experience of supporting people with complex needs, including homelessness, mental health, high-risk or high-harm behaviours, or high vulnerability.

Managing Challenging Behaviour & Maintaining Professional Boundaries:

Experience of working with young people who display challenging behaviour or conflict, while remaining approachable, engaging effectively, providing constructive support, and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Safeguarding and Trauma‑Informed Principles:

Thorough and up-to‑date knowledge of safeguarding and trauma‑informed care.

IT Skills, Complex Casework & Time Management:

Good IT skills, demonstrable experience of managing a complex caseload, strong report writing skills, and effective time management.

Why join us?

When you join Peabody, you’re joining a team guided by our values, Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.

What You’ll Get

• 25 days’ annual leave
• Flexible benefits including healthcare, dental, and discounts.
• 4x Life Assurance and up to 10% pension contribution.
• Professional development, including funded apprenticeships.
• Two paid volunteering days each year.
• Family-friendly policies and a supportive team culture.

Please read before applying:

We’re reviewing applications as they come in, so you might hear from us before the closing date, keep an eye on your inbox and your phone!

Please note: Peabody is not a licensed UK sponsor, so we’re unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.