Waking Nights Children’s Support Worker (Crook / North)

Waking Nights Children's Residential Support Worker

• Location: Crook, County Durham
• Job Type: Full-time | Permanent
• Salary: £29,120 per annum
• Hours: 35 hours per week on average
• Shift Pattern: 4 nights on / 4 nights off

Looking for a role where your presence really matters?

Not everyone is suited to working nights, but for the right person, it can be an incredibly rewarding role.

We are looking for a caring, dependable and observant Waking Nights Support Worker to join our children's residential care team in Crook, County Durham.

You'll be supporting children and young people who may need additional emotional and behavioural support, helping them feel safe, settled and reassured throughout the night.

Whether it's offering comfort when someone is struggling to sleep, recognising when something isn't quite right or making sure the home remains safe and secure, your role will be an important part of their care.

What Does the Role Involve?

As part of the waking night team, you'll take responsibility for supporting the safety and wellbeing of young people throughout the night.

You'll need to be comfortable working independently, following established care plans and responding calmly to situations as they arise.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing overnight care and supervision to children and young people.
• Creating a calm, safe and reassuring home environment.
• Building positive and professional relationships with young people.
• Offering emotional support and reassurance when needed.
• Supporting young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD).
• Carrying out regular welfare checks in line with care plans and risk assessments.
• Remaining alert to changes in behaviour, presentation or wellbeing.
• Responding appropriately to incidents, emergencies and safeguarding concerns.
• Following individual care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support strategies.
• Completing accurate overnight records and incident reports.
• Carrying out security, health and safety and fire safety checks.
• Completing light household duties to help maintain the home.
• Supporting morning routines and preparing for the arrival of the day team.
• Providing clear and thorough handovers to colleagues.
• Maintaining professional boundaries and following all safeguarding procedures.

What Kind of Person Are We Looking For?

This role would suit someone who is naturally patient, observant and calm, and who understands the importance of consistency when supporting children and young people.

Previous experience in the following settings would be beneficial:

• Children's Residential Care
• Residential Childcare
• Children's Support Work
• Youth Work
• Social Care
• Behaviour Support
• SEN or SEMH environments
• Foster Care or Supported Accommodation

We'd particularly like to hear from people who have:

• Experience working with children or young people.
• The ability to remain calm and reassuring in challenging situations.
• Good observation and communication skills.
• An understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• The ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Good written skills and attention to detail.
• The confidence to work independently and make appropriate decisions.
• A genuine commitment to the safety and wellbeing of young people.
• A willingness to complete relevant training and work towards required qualifications where applicable.
• A full UK driving licence would be desirable.

Your Working Pattern

• We understand that a predictable working pattern is important, particularly when working nights.
• This position offers a rotating 4 nights on, 4 nights off schedule.
• Average of 35 hours per week.
• Four consecutive nights working, followed by four nights off.
• Each shift is 10 hours, running from 21:30 to 07:30.
• This is a waking night position, meaning you must remain awake, alert and available throughout your shift.
• Weekend and bank holiday working forms part of the rota.
• Your induction will include approximately 3–4 paid day shifts, normally starting on your employment start date.
• Induction shifts are paid at the same hourly rate of £16.00.

Salary & What We Offer

• £29,120 per annum

In addition, you'll receive:

• Permanent, full-time employment.
• A consistent 4-on, 4-off rota.
• Paid induction shifts.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Opportunities to develop your career within residential childcare.
• A supportive team environment.
• The opportunity to make a lasting difference to young people's lives.

Why Join Us?

Working nights means being there during the hours when young people may feel most vulnerable.

It means noticing the little things, offering reassurance without judgement and providing the consistency that helps children feel safe.

You won't just be keeping the home running overnight. You'll be helping to create an environment where young people can feel secure, supported and cared for.

If you're someone who takes pride in being dependable, compassionate and making a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment

The safety and wellbeing of children and young people are at the heart of everything we do.

We are committed to safer recruitment and expect all employees to demonstrate high standards of professional conduct, safeguarding awareness and appropriate boundaries.

This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants will be required to disclose relevant convictions and cautions that are not protected under current filtering legislation.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including:

• An Enhanced DBS check, including a children's barred list check where applicable.
• Verification of identity and right to work in the UK.
• Two satisfactory written references, including the most recent employer where applicable.
• A complete employment history, with satisfactory explanations for any gaps.
• Verification, where reasonably practicable, of reasons for leaving previous roles involving work with children or vulnerable adults.
• Verification of relevant qualifications.
• Appropriate suitability and safeguarding checks.

If you are passionate about supporting children and young people and want to be part of a team that makes a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.