At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic young people overnight, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
- Company: St John's College, part of Ambitious about Autism, dedicated to empowering young people.
- Benefits: Rewarding role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No specific experience required; just bring your compassion and commitment.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
At St John's College, part of Ambitious about Autism, we support autistic young people to develop confidence, independence and skills for adult life. As a Waking Night Residential Support Worker, you will ensure our learners feel safe, secure and supported throughout the night. You will remain awake and alert, responding to individual needs and helping maintain a calm and structured home environment. This is a rewarding role where your vigilance, compassion and professionalism make a genuine difference.
Key responsibilities include:
- Staying awake and vigilant to ensure learner safety and wellbeing
- Carrying out regular checks of the home and responding to any concerns
- Supporting learners with personal care and medical needs where required
- Monitoring health needs in line with care plans
- Completing accurate handovers and written records
- Working collaboratively with night staff across residential homes
We are looking for someone who is calm, dependable and values-driven, able to work independently during the night while remaining connected to the wider team. You will need a strong commitment to safeguarding, good communication and written skills, emotional resilience and sound judgement, and a willingness to work flexibly. Experience in care or education is helpful but not essential. We welcome applicants with transferable skills and the right attitude.
Closing date for applications: 15th March 2026
Candidates informed of outcome of application: 16th March 2026
Interviews: 19th March 2026
Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.
Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.
Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search may be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Residential Waking Night Support Worker in Brighton employer: Ambitious about Autism
TreeHouse School, as part of Ambitious about Autism, is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for autistic children and young people. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and a collaborative work culture that values innovation and strategic thinking. Located in a vibrant community, our team enjoys the unique advantage of making a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate professionals committed to excellence in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Waking Night Support Worker in Brighton
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Ambitious about Autism.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Ambitious about Autism!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Ambitious about Autism, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Ambitious about Autism or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Waking Night Support Worker in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Ambitious about Autism:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Ambitious about Autism! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambitious about Autism
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
