Waking Nights Support Worker

Caretech; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A children's residential care provider is seeking a Waking Nights Support Worker to ensure the safety and emotional wellbeing of children during the night. This key role requires a calm and compassionate individual capable of responding to distress and completing thorough documentation. Candidates should have a natural empathy, reliability, and strong communication skills. Additional benefits include competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive team culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary with night shift enhancements

Fully funded qualifications

24/7 employee wellbeing support

Inclusive team culture

Career progression opportunities

Paid holiday and pension scheme

Qualifications

• Natural empathy for children and young people.
• Ability to remain calm in emotionally charged situations.
• Reliability and understanding of professional boundaries.
• Capacity to work independently while part of a team.
• Excellent written skills for effective reporting.

Responsibilities

• Provide emotional reassurance and a calm presence throughout the night.
• Monitor the wellbeing of children and respond to any distress or needs.
• Complete thorough and accurate documentation, including logs and reports.
• Support bedtime and morning routines, including waking children and assisting with care.
• Conduct regular checks to ensure safety and peace in the home.
• Maintain a therapeutic atmosphere in line with care plans.

Skills

Empathy for children

Calmness in challenging situations

Reliability

Excellent written communication

Flexibility

Education

NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards it)

Job description

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

• 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 a safe, secure, and peaceful environment.
• 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’ll be awake and alert throughout the shift to ensure full supervision and support is provided.

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 through 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.
• NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards it).
• 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.