Most night shifts in care feel like you're just keeping the lights on. But waking nights are different: you're actively present, building real relationships with young people, and genuinely shaping their lives while they sleep and settle. This role offers you the chance to be the calm, steady adult who makes a measurable difference during the hours that matter most
Picture this: it's 2am and a young person who's struggled with trust has just opened up to you about what's been keeping them awake. That conversation, that moment of connection, happens on your shift. As a Waking Night Worker here, you're not a presence in the background - you're an active part of their journey, supporting them through routines, building their confidence, and helping them develop the independence and emotional resilience they need to move forward
The home is a place where young people feel genuinely safe and valued, and the team makes that happen together. You'll work with experienced colleagues who understand attachment and trauma, who share your commitment to seeing these young people thrive, and who actively support each other. The culture here is warm and collaborative, not corporate - people actually care about the work they do and about each other
Career-wise, this isn't a dead-end night shift. The organisation invests in you through fully funded qualifications and clear pathways to Team Leader, Deputy Manager, and Registered Manager roles. You'll gain hands-on experience, structured learning, and genuine opportunities to step up and take on responsibility as you grow
What you will be doing
- Provide a warm, safe, and supportive environment during waking night hours, being actively present and responsive to the young people's needs
- Build positive relationships and trust with the young people in your care, supporting them through routines and helping them settle
- Support and implement individual care plans, maintaining accurate records and reports of events and progress
- Promote independence and emotional wellbeing, helping young people develop confidence and essential life skills
Why you will love working here
- £32,947.20 per annum for 30 hours per week, with 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) that increases with service
- Fully funded qualifications and structured development programmes that genuinely prepare you for progression into management roles
- 24/7 access to confidential Employee Assistance Programme support, OnDemand GP access, and wellbeing days when you need them
- Pension with NEST, access to Blue Light Card discounts, birthday recognition, long service awards, and a relaxed dress code
- Work as part of a values-led, family-owned organisation that reinvests in its people and genuinely makes a difference - not just commercially, but socially, including international community projects you can get involved with
Is this you?
- Is this you: you have experience working with children and young people, or you're genuinely keen to start and learn on the job
- You hold Level 3 in Children & Young People's Residential Care, or you're willing to work towards this qualification
- You're a resilient, positive person who thrives in a team environment and stays calm under pressure
- You have a full UK driving licence (preferred, but not essential)
- Most importantly: you have a genuine passion for supporting and caring for young people, and you believe in the power of small, consistent moments of connection
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.