Waking Nights Child Support Worker (Crook / North)

Waking Nights Child Support Worker | Night Support | Crook

• 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

Some young people need someone there when the rest of the world is asleep.

We are looking for a compassionate, reliable and committed Children's Residential Support Worker to join our team in Crook, County Durham, supporting children and young people throughout the night.

For some young people, nighttime can be difficult. Anxiety, uncertainty and past experiences can make it harder to settle or feel safe. Your role will be to provide reassurance, consistency and a calm presence when they need it most.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference by helping young people feel safe, supported and cared for, even during the quieter hours of the day.

About the Role

• As a Waking Nights Support Worker, you will be responsible for maintaining a safe, settled and supportive environment throughout the night.
• You will support children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), respond to their individual needs, carry out regular welfare checks and ensure the home remains safe and secure.
• You will need to remain awake, alert and attentive throughout your shift, recognising when a young person may need additional reassurance or support and responding appropriately.
• You will also work closely with the daytime team to ensure effective handovers and continuity of care.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overnight care and support to children and young people in a residential setting.
• Maintain a calm, safe and nurturing environment throughout the night.
• Build positive, trusting and professional relationships with young people.
• Provide reassurance and emotional support when required.
• Support children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD).
• Carry out regular welfare checks in accordance with individual care plans and risk assessments.
• Monitor and respond appropriately to changes in behaviour, wellbeing or presentation.
• Recognise, report and respond to safeguarding concerns, incidents and emergencies.
• Follow individual care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support strategies.
• Maintain accurate overnight records, reports and incident documentation.
• Complete security, health and safety and fire safety checks.
• Carry out light household duties to maintain a clean and welcoming environment.
• Support morning routines where required.
• Provide clear and accurate handovers to the incoming day team.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and follow safeguarding procedures and organisational policies.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

We welcome applications from candidates with experience in:

• Children's Residential Care
• Residential Childcare
• Children's Support Work
• Youth Work
• Social Care
• Behaviour Support
• SEN or SEMH settings
• Foster Care or Supported Accommodation
• Other relevant childcare or care environments

You'll ideally have:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people, preferably within a residential or care setting.
• A calm, patient, compassionate and resilient approach.
• The ability to remain alert and focused throughout overnight shifts.
• Good communication and relationship-building skills.
• An understanding of safeguarding, child protection and professional boundaries.
• The ability to recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
• Good written communication and record-keeping skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing to a wider team.
• A flexible and child-centred approach.
• A willingness to undertake relevant training and work towards required residential childcare qualifications where applicable.
• A full UK driving licence would be desirable.

Working Hours & Conditions

This is a full-time, permanent waking nights position, working an average of 35 hours per week.

The shift pattern is:

• Four consecutive nights on, followed by four nights off.
• Each waking night shift is 10 hours.
• Shifts run from 21:30 to 07:30.
• You must remain awake, alert and available throughout the entire shift.
• Weekend and bank holiday working is included within the rota.
• Your initial induction will consist of 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.
• Flexibility is required to meet the needs of the home and maintain continuity of care.

Benefits

Salary & Benefits

• £29,120 per annum, based on an average of 35 hours per week at £16.00 per hour.
• Permanent, full-time employment.
• A structured 4-on, 4-off shift pattern.
• Paid induction and ongoing training.
• Supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people.

Why This Role Matters

• You may be the person who helps a frightened child settle.
• The person who listens when they need to talk.
• The person who notices the small changes others might miss.
• Or simply the person who is there, consistently, calmly and without judgement.
• You may never fully know the impact you have. But to a young person who needs someone they can trust, your presence could mean everything.
• If you have the compassion, patience and commitment to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are expected to uphold high standards of safeguarding, professional conduct 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 safer recruitment 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 a reference from the most recent employer where applicable.
• A full employment history, with satisfactory written explanations for any gaps.
• Verification, where reasonably practicable, of the reasons for leaving previous roles involving work with children or vulnerable adults.
• Verification of relevant qualifications.
• Appropriate pre-employment suitability checks.

We are looking for individuals who share our commitment to providing safe, consistent and high-quality care to children and young people.