Most night shifts in care feel like you're just counting hours until dawn. But waking nights in a residential home are different: you're the steady, watchful presence that gives vulnerable young people the safety and stability they desperately need. This role offers real purpose, proper training, and a team that genuinely invests in you
Picture this: it's 2am, the home is quiet, and a young person who's had a rough day finds you calm and available. A chat over hot chocolate, a listening ear, maybe helping them through a tough moment - this is where real change happens. Waking nights mean you're actively present, engaging with the young people in your care, not just doing rounds on autopilot. You'll help create the safe, positive environment where these young people can actually start to heal and grow
This provider has been reaching out and changing lives since 2002. They've built something real: a culture where staff are trained properly, supported genuinely, and recognised for the difference they make. You'll deliver residential childcare that meets Ofsted standards while actually knowing the young people you're supporting. The home's ethos isn't window-dressing - it matters, and you'll carry it through every shift
The training and development here is serious. They'll fund your Level 4 Apprenticeship, provide therapeutic training for all staff, and create genuine career progression pathways. This isn't a dead-end night job - it's a foundation for a real career in residential care. Work alongside people who understand the weight of this work and invest in helping you grow
What you will be doing
- Keep young people safe overnight through regular observations and checks, being the calm, dependable presence they need during the waking night hours
- Create and maintain a positive environment that supports each young person's safety, health and education throughout your shift
- Engage actively with the young people in your care, offering guidance, mentoring and a positive influence when it matters most
- Uphold professional standards in line with Ofsted Regulations and Quality Care Standards, representing the home's values every shift
- Work the 22.00-08.00 shift pattern on a 4 on, 4 off rolling rota across Derbyshire
Why you will love working here
- Salary up to £30,784 depending on your experience and qualifications, plus incentivised overtime at an extra £3.50 per hour
- 224 hours of annual leave, bank holidays at double pay, and food provided during your shift - we look after the practical stuff so you can focus on the young people
- Funded Level 4 Apprenticeship and therapeutic training for all staff, because we invest in your development from day one
- 3% employer pension contribution, free DBS check, an employee wellbeing service, and a referral programme worth up to £500 when you recommend great candidates to join us
- Real career progression, monthly recognition awards for outstanding work, and a team culture where your wellbeing and growth genuinely matter
Is this you?
- Are you committed to bringing about real change in young people's lives, even on the hardest nights?
- Do you hold a valid manual UK or EU driving licence (essential for this role)?
- Have you got at least 1 year's experience in a similar care setting, or are you ready to bring transferable skills and genuine passion?
- Can you work shifts that vary week to week on a 4 on, 4 off pattern and thrive in that rhythm?
- Are you UK work-authorised and willing to undergo enhanced DBS checks as part of our Safer Recruitment process?
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.