Job description and Person Specification for Waking Night Support Worker
Job Title: Waking Night Support Worker
Reports to: Support Services Manager
Working Hours: 9:00pm – 6:00am (Every other Saturday)
Salary: £135.00 per night
Bridge for Young People
Bridge for Young People provides a home and support to young people (aged 16-25) who are leaving care or who are homeless. We have four housing projects in West Berkshire where we provide young people with a stable home, emotional support and practical help as they move into independence.
The Waking Night Support Worker plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and stability of young people during night hours. Based at Wessex House in Newbury, the post holder will remain awake and alert throughout the shift, providing emotional reassurance, safeguarding oversight, and practical support as required.
In the unlikely event that assistance is required at another Bridge for Young People housing project, the Waking Night Support Worker will provide appropriate advice and support, escalating concerns to the on-call manager where necessary.
Principle Responsibilities and Duties
Safeguarding & Safety
· Maintain a safe and secure environment for all young people throughout the night
· Conduct regular welfare checks in accordance with organisational policy
· Respond promptly and appropriately to incidents, emergencies, or safeguarding concerns
· Follow safeguarding procedures and report concerns to the on-call manager where necessary
Support & Wellbeing
· Provide emotional reassurance and support to young people who may be distressed or unable to sleep
· Promote a calm and respectful atmosphere within the service
· Support young people in managing anxiety, conflict, or crisis situations during night hours
Monitoring & Recording
· Maintain accurate, clear, and timely written records of the night’s events
· Complete incident reports where required
· Handover key information to day staff to ensure continuity of care
Environment & Practical Duties
· Carry out light domestic duties to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment
· Ensure communal areas are tidy and prepared for daytime activities
· Undertake health and safety checks in line with organisational procedures
Person Specification
Essential
- Eligible to live and work in the UK
- Full driving licence and use of vehicle with business insurance
- Experience working with young people
- Ability to understand the needs of vulnerable young people
- Have empathy and compassion in dealing with people that are in a crisis
- An understanding of what ‘professional boundaries’ means, and be able to maintain this at all times
- Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion practices
- Experience of using office IT and able to communicate clearly, both verbally and written for accurate reports and records
- An enhanced DBS check will be required.
Desirable
- A recognised relevant qualification (e.g. in social work or youth work)
- Experience of working in a residential setting
- Knowledge and understanding of support issues for vulnerable adults and care leavers, including people with behavioural difficulties, and of relevant legislation and issues
- Effective listening and communication skills
- Ability to use initiative and to prioritise and manage workload.
This position requires night cover seven days per week (9:00pm–6:00am) and will be fulfilled by a minimum of two staff members working on a rota basis. This role offers a flexible working arrangement and may also provide opportunities for additional overtime to cover annual leave and absences.
Why work for Bridge for Young People
- Opportunity to develop your career
- Supporting young people and making a difference
- Your working environment will be based across three residential homes
- Training opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge
- Team approach of working and partnership working
- Working in a strength based and holistic way of supporting young people.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £135.00 per day
Application question(s):
- Must have a full driving license and car for use on shift. Do you have both?
Work Location: In person
