Join Our Team as a Waking Night Residential Childcare Support Worker!

Company: Area Camden

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Haverhill, Suffolk

Salary: Up to £31,867.18 per annum (dependent on qualifications)

Qualified Rate: Applies to those with a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)

Hours: 20:00-08:00 (12-hour waking night shifts)

About Area Camden

At Area Camden, part of the Polaris Community, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, consistent care that empowers young people to achieve their goals. Our trained staff ensure a safe and stable nighttime environment, with safeguarding at the heart of everything we do. We collaborate closely with families and professionals to meet each young person’s unique needs.

We are excited to welcome a Waking Night Support Worker to our team, someone who will help create a nurturing residential setting that supports children’s physical, emotional, and social development.

Why Join Us? Here’s What We Offer:

• Comprehensive induction and mandatory training
• Clear progression and development opportunities
• Rotational night-shift rota (20:00-08:00):
• Week 1: Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun - 48 hours
• Week 2: Wed, Thu, Fri - 36 hours
• Minimum 168 hours per month
• 236 hours of annual leave, increasing by 12 hours per year for 3 years (up to 272 hours)
• Pension scheme (after qualifying period)
• Fully funded required qualifications if not already held

Your Role: Duties and Responsibilities

• Stay awake and alert throughout the full night shift
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of each child during the night
• Provide empathy and support when young people need reassurance
• Assist with personalized bedtime routines and occasional activities
• Maintain accurate computer-based records
• Follow the Philomena protocol when reporting a missing child
• Communicate effectively with out-of-hours services and handle calls professionally
• Adhere to Area Camden policies and serve as a positive role model for children and colleagues
• Contribute to the home’s ethos and adapt to the needs of the young people

Essential Skills Required

• Strong teamwork, energy, and enthusiasm
• Understanding of safeguarding children
• Ability to follow tasks and record detailed handovers
• Commitment to maintaining policies and procedures
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to listen, engage, and respond appropriately with children
• Organized with strong planning skills
• Willingness to work toward a relevant Level 3 qualification (if not already held)

At Area Camden, we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff to share this commitment.

Please note that successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.