Job Title: Waking Nights Children's Residential Support Worker
Location: Maidstone, UK
Contract Type: Full-time / Part-time
Working Hours: Night shifts, including weekends and bank holidays (21:30 - 08:30am) on a rota basis.
About Us:
Are you a compassionate, dedicated individual looking to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people? Do you thrive in a role where you can provide care and support during the night? If so, we invite you to join our committed team as a Waking Nights Children's Residential Support Worker at our children's home.
Our home offers a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for children and young people aged [age range] who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. We are dedicated to providing therapeutic care that promotes healing, development, and positive outcomes for all our residents.
Role Overview:
As a Waking Nights Children's Residential Support Worker, you will be responsible for the overnight care and supervision of children and young people in our home. You will ensure a safe, secure, and nurturing environment during the night, providing emotional support and addressing any needs or concerns that arise. This role is crucial in maintaining a stable and supportive environment for our residents, ensuring their well-being and safety while they sleep.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide consistent, high-quality care and supervision to children and young people throughout the night.
- Monitor the safety and security of the home, conducting regular checks and addressing any issues promptly.
- Support children and young people with any night-time needs, including emotional support and managing disturbances.
- Maintain a calm and reassuring presence, responding appropriately to any challenging behavior or crisis situations.
- Ensure accurate record-keeping and documentation of any incidents, observations, or changes in behavior.- Work closely with daytime staff to ensure continuity of care and communication.- Assist with bedtime routines and morning preparations as needed.- Participate in handover meetings to relay important information to the day staff team.
Requirements:
- Experience working with children or young people, particularly in a residential or similar setting.
- Ability to stay awake, alert, and attentive throughout night shifts.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm, patient, and composed in potentially challenging situations.
- A genuine passion for supporting and advocating for children and young people.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Flexibility to work night shifts, including weekends and bank holidays.
- A relevant qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 3 in Children and Young People's Workforce or equivalent) is desirable but not essential.
- A full UK driving license is preferred but not mandatory.
- Must be willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training and development.
- Supportive and inclusive working environment.
- Opportunities for career progression and professional development.
- A chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
How to Apply:
If you are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people and have the skills and experience we are looking for, we would love to hear from you!
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS checks.