WHAT WE DO MATTERS
At Aycliffe Secure Centre what we do truly matters; we provide a caring, trauma informed and aspirational environment for young people aged between 10 and 18. Our young people are accommodated under a welfare or criminal justice order and have faced many adversities, including neglect, trauma, relationship breakdown and criminal proceedings. As a result, you will be working with young people with complex needs and behaviours including violence and aggression. Our job is to provide them with a safe and caring home and to support them to develop the relationships and skills that will help them towards a positive and successful future.
The multidisciplinary team at the centre work collaboratively together and with external professionals and families to create an experience for young people that results in a successful and safe transition into a community home.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Joining us as a Waking Night Residential Worker at Aycliffe Secure Centre is one of the most rewarding career choices you could make as you will be key to the delivery of 24-hour care for our young people.
The role is challenging both physically and mentally but is extremely rewarding when you get to witness first-hand the positive impact you can make to a young persons life just by giving your care, compassion and time.
You will be that person providing night-time support when the house quietens down and our young people have time to reflect on their day.
Check out our short video on working at Aycliffe Secure Centre Recruitment
We encourage you to find out more about our exceptional facilities and testimonies from our team on our webpage or e-mail [email protected] to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
Who you are matters to us and we value the life and work experiences you bring, but what matters most to us is who you are as a person and your personal qualities. If you are empathetic, resilient and have a desire to help shape the lives of our young people then we want to hear from you.
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Childrens Barred List due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation.
EVERY SHIFT MATTERS
Our young people receive care 24/7. As a Waking Night Residential Worker you will work set shift patterns which cover the hours of 9.30pm to 7.45am on week nights (Sunday to Thursday) and 9.30pm to 8.30am on weekends (Friday and Saturday).
The shift pattern is 4 consecutive shifts followed by 5 days off, then 5 consecutive shifts followed by 4 days off which repeats over a 28 day cycle
YOUR DEVELOPMENT MATTERS
Your role will start with our comprehensive induction programme which includes a range of formal and informal learning opportunities so you can carry out your role safely and effectively. During the induction, you will also spend time on the home to start to learn the practical skills you will further develop throughout the induction. But it doesnt stop there as the first six months in the role you will also receive specific on the job training and development to enable you to deliver the role with confidence. There are also excellent ongoing training and development opportunities as well as dedicated one-to-one time to reflect upon workplace practice and access to specialist support.
We will support you to achieve a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare if you have not already got it. It is a requirement that all our Residential Workers hold this qualification so this will be achieved within the first 18 months in the role.
YOU MATTER TO US
The difference we make to the lives of our young people is extremely valuable and we want everyone who contributes to that to feel appreciated.
As a valued member of the team you can expect a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years continuous local government service) and membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
INTERVIEWS
It is expected that interviews will be held week commencing 5th October 2026.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
RIGHT TO WORK AND VISA INFORMATION
All offers of employment are subject to the council meeting its legal obligations under UK immigration law. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK at the point an offer is made.
This post is remunerated at £31,015 per annum. UK immigration rules set minimum salary and other eligibility requirements for visa sponsorship. It is unlikely that this role will be eligible for skilled worker visa sponsorship. Whether an applicant meets these requirements depends on their individual circumstances, including any existing permission to work. Applicants who may require a visa are encouraged to check the current UKVI rules before applying.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the Person Specification section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email [email protected]
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from [email protected]. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you dont miss any updates.
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