Children’s Residential Support Worker / Waking Night Support Worker

Hours: 173 hours per month
Sleep-in payment: £80 for each completed sleep-in
Pay: Based on experience and whether you hold the relevant Department for Education (DfE) qualification for residential childcare
Benefits: Additional benefits are provided on top of the basic rate of pay

About the role

We are looking for a caring, reliable and enthusiastic Children’s Residential Support Worker to join our team.

You will provide safe, nurturing and trauma-informed care to children and young people living in a residential setting. You will help them feel safe, valued and supported while assisting with their emotional, physical, educational and daily living needs.

This is a rewarding role for someone who is patient, resilient and passionate about helping children and young people overcome difficult experiences and achieve positive outcomes.

Main responsibilities

Your duties will include:

• Developing positive and trusting relationships with children and young people

• Providing individualised care in accordance with care plans and risk assessments

• Supporting children’s emotional, physical, educational and social development

• Helping children develop independence, confidence, coping strategies and practical life skills

• Supporting attendance at school, appointments, activities and family contact

• Encouraging positive behaviour and responding appropriately to challenging situations

• Using trauma-informed approaches to understand and respond to children’s behaviour

• Safeguarding children and reporting concerns in accordance with established procedures

• Acting as a positive role model and maintaining professional boundaries

• Completing accurate care records, reports, handovers and incident records

• Working closely with colleagues, social workers, families and other professionals

• Supporting the general running of the home, including reasonable domestic duties

• Maintaining the safety and security of the children and premises during waking-night shifts

Essential requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a full, valid driving licence and be willing to drive as part of the role

• Have access to a suitable vehicle and be willing to obtain business-use motor insurance

• Have good spoken and written English

• Be able to read, understand and accurately complete reports, care records and other documents

• Have full right to work in the United Kingdom

• Be able to use computers, tablets and electronic care-recording systems

• Be caring, patient, reliable, resilient and able to remain calm under pressure

• Be willing to work flexibly according to the needs of the service

• Be available to work mornings, evenings, weekends, bank holidays, sleep-ins and waking-night shifts

• Be willing to complete all mandatory training and any required residential childcare qualification

Desirable experience and qualifications

It would be beneficial if you have:

• Experience working with children or young people

• Experience in residential childcare, social care, youth work or a similar setting

• Experience supporting children affected by trauma, separation, loss or abuse

• A relevant Level 3 or Level 4 qualification in residential childcare or children and young people’s services

• Knowledge of safeguarding, attachment theory and trauma-informed care

• First-aid or safeguarding training

Applicants who do not currently hold the relevant DfE-required residential childcare qualification may still be considered, provided they are willing and able to complete the required qualification. The basic rate of pay will reflect whether the successful applicant already holds the relevant qualification.

Working hours and benefits

This is a full-time role of 173 hours per month, worked according to a rota.

The rota may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, bank holidays, sleep-in duties, waking nights and work during the festive period.

Each completed sleep-in is paid at £80, in addition to the basic rate of pay. Other additional benefits are also available.

Safer recruitment

Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and all required safer-recruitment and pre-employment checks for working in a children’s residential care setting.

Applicants must provide evidence of their identity, driving status, qualifications and full right to work in the UK.

Apply now

If you are caring, committed and ready to make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Please submit your application or contact us for further information.