Job Overview
We are seeking a reliable, compassionate, and vigilant Waking Night Childcare Worker to join our residential care team. You will support children and young people aged 8–17 who have experienced trauma, ensuring their safety, emotional wellbeing, and stability throughout the night.
This role is critical in maintaining a calm, secure, and nurturing environment while children sleep. You will remain awake and alert throughout the shift, responding appropriately to any needs, incidents, or emergencies, and ensuring clear handovers to the day staff.
As our service continues to grow, there will be opportunities to progress into Senior Waking Night, Key Worker, or Team Leader roles. We invest in our staff through fully funded professional qualifications, including the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, with increased pay upon completion.
Responsibilities
- Maintain the safety, welfare, and security of children and the home throughout the night.
- Carry out regular welfare checks, room observations, and safety checks in line with care plans and policies.
- Provide emotional reassurance and support to children who may wake distressed, anxious, or unsettled.
- Respond appropriately to night-time incidents, emergencies, or safeguarding concerns, following organisational procedures.
- Support children with night-time routines, including bedtime preparation where required.
- Maintain a calm, structured, and trauma-informed environment overnight.
- Complete accurate written records, including night logs, incident reports, and handover notes for day staff.
- Ensure the home is clean, organised, and prepared for the following day.
- Work collaboratively with the wider care team and communicate effectively during shift handovers.
Experience
- Previous experience working with children is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of childcare practices and child development principles.
- Experience in creating or following care plans tailored to individual needs.
- Strong communication skills to interact effectively with children and colleagues.
- Understanding of trauma-informed care, safeguarding, and behaviour that can challenge.
- Ability to remain awake, alert, and observant throughout night shifts.
- Strong written English and IT skills for accurate documentation and reporting.
- Calm, patient, and emotionally resilient approach.
- A valid driving licence is desirable but not essential
Additional Requirements
- Must hold an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or be willing to obtain an Enhanced DBS and subscribe to the Update Service prior to employment.
- Ability to meet Safer Recruitment requirments including the ability to provide satisfactory references, including at least one from a recent employer (or relevant professional/educational reference).
- Must have no restrictions on the right to work in the UK (this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship).
Why Join Us?
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on young people’s lives while developing your career in a supportive and values-led organisation. We offer:
- Opportunity to progress towards Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, with enhanced pay upon completion
- Career progression and performance-based promotion
- Supportive management and a strong team culture
- A pathway into senior and leadership roles
- Long-term stability within a growing residential service
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £12.75-£13.50 per hour
Expected hours: 36 per week
Application question(s):
- Click or paste link in browser to apply directly
https://app.connecteam.com/#/apply?link=3f40c86f-f353-43a4-aae2-c0d2aee90000
Work Location: In person
