Please note: We are engaging with Direct applicants only. We kindly ask agencies not to approach as they will not be responded to.
Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference while providing safety and reassurance through the night?
At Able Health Care, we provide safe, nurturing homes for children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Guided by our values Aspire, Belong, Love, Empower (A-B-L-E)
our team ensures children feel secure, supported, and valued at all times of the day and night.
We are now seeking a Waking Night Residential Childcare Practitioner to join our team in Leiston. This role is vital in keeping children safe, managing routines, and ensuring the home remains calm and supportive overnight.
You'll work 10 hour shifts on a 4-on/4-off basis, averaging 35 hours per week.
A Night in the Life of a Waking Night Residential Childcare Practitioner
You’ll begin your shift by receiving a full handover from the day team.
Throughout the night, you’ll:
- provide a calm and consistent presence, responding to the children’s needs as they arise
- support with night-time routines and reassurance where needed
- complete household tasks to keep the home clean, safe, and welcoming for the morning
- monitor the environment and ensure all safeguarding and health & safety checks are carried out
- record observations and contribute to care planning, so the daytime team have clear information to build on
By morning, you’ll hand over to the day staff, knowing you’ve played a crucial role in helping children feel secure and cared for overnight.
What We’re Looking For
Because Waking Night roles involve lone working, applicants must have
recent experience supporting children or young people in a residential or similar regulated setting.
We are looking for:
- Enthusiastic, resilient individuals with a genuine desire to support children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
- Confidence in managing safeguarding responsibilities overnight
- Experience working with children who may present behaviours that challenge (experience with Autism or ADHD is beneficial, but not essential)
- An empathetic, calm, and caring approach, especially during times of heightened need
- Strong awareness of safeguarding and Regulation 32 (Children’s Homes Regulations 2015), which requires staff to have the right skills and experience for their role
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.
Training and Development
While prior experience with children is essential for this role, we provide:
- A robust induction and shadowing period before lone-working
- Ongoing training in areas such as safeguarding, Autism awareness, behaviour support, and trauma-informed care
- Support to achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (if not already held), which is a regulatory requirement
What We Offer
- 4-on/4-off (10hr) shifts
- Enhanced DBS paid for by us
- Paid breaks
- Competitive salary
- Company pension
- Exclusive discounts through Blue Light Card and additional discount scheme
- Robust training programme
- Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation
- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme (24/7 confidential counselling and support)
- Blue Light Card
- Refer a Friend scheme
- Being part of a business run with a sense of family values at its core
Apply Today
If you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of children and provide safety, reassurance, and care overnight, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and help us create a safe, nurturing home where our children can thrive.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £13.76 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Paid training
- Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Leiston IP16: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Please tell us about your work experience where you have worked with children.
- Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.
Are you seeking Visa Sponsorship?
Experience:
- Working with children: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (England) (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Location:
Work Location: In person
