Most night shifts in residential care feel isolating, underpaid, and like you're just going through the motions. But this waking night role in the heart of Cambridge is different: you'll be the steady, skilled presence that 16-25 year olds with complex needs actually trust when things get difficult at 3am. This is about real support, real impact, and a team that genuinely values overnight staff
Picture yourself arriving at 10pm at our 80-room accommodation in central Cambridge, just by Parkers Piece. You're not invisible; you're the anchor. Young people know you're there, awake, alert, and invested in their safety. You'll build genuine rapport with residents, spot early warning signs, encourage positive choices, and be the calm presence when anxiety or conflict flares. Some nights are quiet and reflective; others test every bit of your skill and composure. Every single one matters
You'll work a 4 on, 4 off rota (including weekends and public holidays), which means real rhythm to your life outside work. No endless stretches of nights eating you up. Your team knows the value of someone who can show up fresh and present during the hours when young people are most vulnerable. They make that possible through a realistic shift pattern and genuine recognition of what night work asks of you
This provider has built something intentional: they know staff wellbeing directly shapes the quality of care they give. You'll get five weeks' holiday plus bank holidays, a paid birthday day off, free onsite parking, pension, and access to employee support when you need it. But more than that, you'll join a fantastic team of accommodation workers who collaborate, who have each other's backs, and who see night work as skilled, essential labour
What you will be doing
- Provide essential overnight support and supervision to young residents across the 80-room home, ensuring everyone's safety and wellbeing between 10pm and 8am
- Maintain a visible, responsive presence on the premises; respond calmly and appropriately to any incidents, conflicts, or welfare concerns that arise during the night
- Encourage positive behaviour and create an atmosphere of warmth, security, and respect so young people feel genuinely supported, not just supervised
- Offer practical, empathetic support to residents dealing with complex needs and mental health challenges, recognising the specific vulnerabilities of night-time hours
- Oversee night-time operations, manage tasks efficiently while staying calm under pressure, and communicate clearly with day staff and the wider team
Why you will love working here
- Salary of £26,436.80 per year (£12.71 hourly), paid for genuine skilled work, not minimum wage
- Five weeks' holiday plus all bank holidays, so you actually get proper time to recover and live your life
- A realistic 4 on, 4 off shift pattern: this means you're not crushed by consecutive nights, and you get real downtime
- Free onsite parking, a paid birthday day off, pension scheme, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme when you need support
- Paid DBS check and proper onboarding, so you start with confidence and clarity, not thrown in at the deep end
Is this you?
- Is this you: you've worked with young people who have complex needs (housing background is brilliant but not essential)
- You can build genuine rapport quickly, engage authentically with diverse individuals, and stay calm and confident when behaviour becomes challenging
- You understand mental health, can spot when a young person is struggling, and you respond with sensitivity and empathy, not judgement
- You're organised, you can juggle multiple tasks without losing focus, and you communicate clearly with colleagues and residents
- You're positive, grounded, and you know that night work isn't about being quiet in the corner: it's about being fully present and awake to what young people need
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.