Job Description:

Waking Nights Support Worker – Residential Children's Home

Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Salary: £13.50 – £14.87 per hour (depending on experience and qualifications)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Pattern: 3/4 nights per week 

The Opportunity

Are you an experienced Residential Support Worker looking for a waking nights position where you can genuinely make a difference?

We are looking for a compassionate, reliable and dedicated Waking Nights Support Worker to join a small, supportive team within a residential children's home in Winchester.

The home provides care and support for up to three children with emotional and behavioural needs. You will play an important role in ensuring children feel safe, secure and supported throughout the night, helping to create a calm and nurturing environment where they can thrive.

You will be joining an experienced management team that values its staff, invests in professional development and understands the importance of providing consistent, high-quality care.

The Role

As a Waking Nights Support Worker, you will be responsible for maintaining the safety and wellbeing of children throughout the night.

Working independently overnight, you will need to remain alert, approachable and responsive, providing reassurance and support whenever needed.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing a safe, calm and emotionally supportive environment throughout the night.

• Remaining awake, alert and vigilant for the duration of each shift.

• Carrying out regular welfare checks in line with individual care plans.

• Responding appropriately to children's needs, including emotional distress, illness or safeguarding concerns.

• Providing reassurance and emotional support to children who wake during the night.

• Supporting bedtime routines and early morning transitions where required.

• Maintaining accurate nightly records, logs and incident reports.

• Completing effective handovers to ensure continuity of care.

• Carrying out light household duties to support the smooth running of the home.

• Following safeguarding procedures and organisational policies at all times.

About You

We are looking for someone who is patient, resilient and genuinely passionate about working with children and young people.

You will be confident working independently, able to remain calm under pressure and understand the importance of building positive, trusting relationships with children who may have experienced difficult circumstances.

Essential requirements:

• At least one year's experience working with children or young people.

• Working towards, or willing to undertake, the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.

• A good understanding of safeguarding and children's wellbeing.

• A compassionate and consistent approach to supporting children with emotional and behavioural needs.

• The ability to work independently and use initiative during waking night shifts.

• Full UK driving license

• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, sponsorship is not available.

What We Offer

We believe that investing in our staff is essential to providing the best possible care for children.

In return for your commitment, you will receive:

• Competitive hourly pay of £13.50 – £14.87, depending on experience and qualifications.

• 28 days annual leave, plus an additional paid day off for your birthday.

• Fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.

• Specialist training, including PACE and trauma-informed approaches.

• Regular reflective supervision and dedicated wellbeing support.

• Opportunities for career development and progression.

• A supportive management team that genuinely values its staff.

• Free on-site parking.

• Blue Light Card eligibility.

Our Approach to Care

Our approach is centred around trauma-informed care, recognising that children need consistency, trust and emotional security to develop and thrive.

We use the PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) to build positive relationships and support children who may have experienced early adversity.

You will receive ongoing training, guidance and reflective supervision to help you develop your skills and confidence.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

All successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, identity verification and satisfactory employment references.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.